French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday that France will temporarily deploy nuclear-armed jets to strengthen its European allies and increase its nuclear arsenal. This new strategy, aimed at enhancing Europe’s independence, was revealed during a speech at the L’Ile Longue military base in northwestern France.
Macron stated, “To be free, one needs to be feared,” and clarified that decision-making regarding the use of nuclear weapons will not be shared with other nations. Discussions are underway with countries including Britain, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden and Denmark.
Macron’s speech coincided with rising tensions, particularly with the US and Russia. France will allow partners to participate in deterrence exercises, integrating non-nuclear forces into its nuclear activities.
European allies welcomed this strategy, especially since France is currently the only nuclear power in the EU. In a joint statement, Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced plans for deeper integration in the field of deterrence. At the same time, the Netherlands emphasised that its collaboration with France on nuclear deterrence complements NATO’s capabilities.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk noted that “we are arming up together with our friends so that our enemies will never dare to attack us.”
France will increase warheads
President Macron announced an increase in the number of nuclear warheads in France’s arsenal, currently below 300. This marks the first increase since at least 1992. “I have decided to increase the number of warheads in our arsenal,” he stated, emphasising the need to maintain strong deterrent power.
Macron noted the seriousness of nuclear weapon use, asserting that no state could shield itself from it. He also acknowledged growing concerns among European leaders about the US’s commitment to defending Europe under its nuclear umbrella, prompting Europe to take more responsibility for its own security.
Some European nations have engaged with Macron about nuclear deterrence and potential joint exercises. Recently, German Chancellor Merz speculated about the involvement of German planes in transporting French nuclear bombs, but Macron dismissed this idea.
In a July joint declaration, France and Britain affirmed that both nations’ nuclear forces can be coordinated while remaining independent. Macron maintains that any decision on using France’s nuclear weapons will solely be his responsibility. He concluded that emerging threats and changes in global dynamics necessitate strengthening France’s nuclear arsenal.
Disarmament campaigners express criticism
The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017, said Macron’s plan could cost billions of euros, jeopardise France’s international commitments and lead Russia to interpret it as a “major provocation” that could risk escalation.
“This represents a significant step backwards in light of France’s obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty,” said Jean-Marie Collin, the head of the group’s French office. “Increasing its arsenal reflects a dynamic of participation in an arms race, contradicting the spirit, if not the letter, of this treaty, which commits nuclear-armed states to pursue nuclear disarmament.”
“On a strategic level, Russia would very likely consider this initiative as a major provocation, with risks of escalation.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
