French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday that France will increase the number of nuclear warheads in its arsenal. Speaking at the L’Ile Longue military base in Brittany, which hosts the country’s nuclear submarines, he said an upgrade of the arsenal was “essential” given a “period of geopolitical upheaval fraught with risk.”
“That’s why I ordered an increase in the number of nuclear warheads in our arsenal,” Macron said. He added: “Whoever wants to be free must be feared. Whoever wants to be feared must be strong.”
France, the only nuclear power within the EU, has about 290 warheads, making it the world’s fourth-largest nuclear power after the US, Russia and China. Macron did not say how many additional warheads would be added.
The change in France’s nuclear posture also includes closer cooperation with European allies such as Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark. France currently operates four nuclear-armed submarines capable of operating covertly anywhere at sea with a range of roughly 10,000 kilometers, and Rafale fighter jets that can carry nuclear-capable cruise missiles with a range of about 500 kilometers.
The announcement comes amid growing doubts in Europe about reliance on the US “nuclear umbrella” that protects NATO allies. France last expanded its arsenal in 1992. Strains in transatlantic relations, highlighted during the presidency of Donald Trump — including his earlier attempt to press Denmark over Greenland — have contributed to European skepticism about Washington’s long-term commitments.
Germany has signaled a role in European nuclear security discussions, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggesting German Air Force planes could be used to transport French nuclear weapons.
Edited by: Karl Sexton