France to Expand Nuclear Arsenal Amid European Security Policy EU

Emmanuel Macron said France will increase the size of its nuclear arsenal, citing growing European security threats and global instability.

Speaking at the Île Longue naval base in Brittany, Macron said the international environment had become more unstable and required a stronger nuclear deterrence strategy.He did not specify how many additional warheads France would deploy or provide a timeline for the expansion of its French nuclear weapons program.

France currently maintains an estimated 290 warheads under its independent nuclear doctrine, known as strict sufficiency, designed to protect national interests. The planned increase marks a shift in France defence policy and signals a recalibration of its long-standing deterrence posture.

• France to expand nuclear arsenal amid rising European security threats
• Macron signals shift in France defence policy and nuclear deterrence strategy
• France deepens European defence cooperation while retaining nuclear authority

Macron also outlined plans to deepen European defence cooperation with allied nations. He said France would expand its nuclear deterrence role in Europe and allow greater participation in strategic exercises. However, he stressed that authority over any use of nuclear weapons would remain solely with the French president.

The move comes amid concerns about long-term European security policy and shifting geopolitical alignments. As the European Union’s only nuclear-armed state, France has increasingly positioned itself as a central pillar of EU strategic autonomy and regional defence.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed that Paris and Berlin have established a joint steering group to explore closer coordination, including France Germany nuclear talks and strategic planning. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said stronger cooperation among European allies was essential to counter emerging threats.

Macron said the expansion would remain consistent with France’s commitments under international non-proliferation agreements and within the framework of NATO. He described the decision as an adaptation to current risks rather than a departure from France’s defensive stance.

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The announcement is expected to influence debate on European nuclear security and the future direction of continental defence strategy.