France will strengthen its nuclear capabilities and extend its strategic deterrence to select European countries, marking the most significant overhaul of French nuclear policy since 1960, President Emmanuel Macron announced Tuesday.
Speaking at the Ile Longue naval base near Brest, Macron described the changes as a response to “an increasingly unstable strategic environment,” warning that “the next 50 years will be an era of nuclear weapons.”
Under the new policy, France plans to increase its nuclear warheads from the current estimated 300 and will deploy a new nuclear-armed submarine, The Invincible, in 2036.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelMacron also unveiled an “advanced deterrence” initiative involving eight European nations – the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, and Denmark. Participating countries will be able to join exercises using France’s air-launched nuclear capacity, host French nuclear bombers at their air bases, and contribute to related capacities, including space-based early warning systems, air defence against drones and missiles, and long-range missile technology.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk praised the plan on X, saying: “We are arming up together with our friends so that our enemies will never dare to attack us.”
France will retain sole authority over the use of nuclear weapons, with no formal guarantees offered to partner countries.
The doctrine remains based on deterrence, ensuring adversaries understand that any attack on France would carry an “unsustainable price.”
Macron’s announcement also signalled a shift in France’s definition of “vital interests,” suggesting that French nuclear deterrence may now extend to defending European partners, though specific parameters were not disclosed.
France will no longer reveal the exact number of warheads in its arsenal.
The policy builds on existing cooperation with the UK, Europe’s other nuclear power, whose officials recently participated in exercises with France’s Strategic Air Forces (FAS).
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Macron’s speech was followed by France and Germany announcing plans for closer collaboration, including German participation in French nuclear exercises and joint development of conventional capabilities.
Officials stressed the move complements NATO’s nuclear deterrent rather than replacing it.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
