French President Emmanuel Macron announced Monday that France will increase the number of nuclear warheads in its arsenal, calling the move an essential response to a “period of geopolitical upheaval fraught with risk.” He made the remarks at the L’Ile Longue naval base in Brittany, home to the country’s nuclear-powered submarines.
“That’s why I ordered an increase in the number of nuclear warheads in our arsenal,” Macron said, adding: “Whoever wants to be free must be feared. Whoever wants to be feared must be strong.” He did not specify how many additional warheads would be added.
France, the only nuclear-armed state inside the European Union, is estimated to possess about 290 warheads, ranking it fourth globally after the United States, Russia and China. The revised posture also foresees closer cooperation with European partners, including Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark.
France currently fields four ballistic missile submarines capable of covert, long-distance deterrent patrols, with missiles that can reach roughly 10,000 kilometers, and Rafale combat jets equipped to carry nuclear-capable cruise missiles with an effective range of about 500 kilometers.
Macron’s announcement comes amid mounting questions in Europe about reliance on the U.S. nuclear umbrella for NATO protection. European skepticism about Washington’s long-term commitments grew during episodes of tension in recent years, including during the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump. France last expanded its nuclear arsenal in 1992.
Germany has indicated an interest in being involved in European nuclear-security discussions. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has suggested German Air Force aircraft could play a role transporting French nuclear weapons as part of closer bilateral or multilateral arrangements.