Renewed Focus on European Deterrence
President Emmanuel Macron is set to outline plans for France to take a more active role in Europe’s nuclear defense. Speaking from the Île Longue peninsula, home to the country’s four nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, Macron will stress that this expansion would complement, not compete with, the US nuclear umbrella. This will be his first major address on France’s nuclear capabilities since 2020, when he first proposed involving willing European partners in exercises — a suggestion largely overlooked at the time.
Geopolitical Shifts Drive Interest
European interest in a stronger French nuclear contribution has grown amid global tensions. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine exposed vulnerabilities in European defense, while recent US political developments, including Donald Trump’s approach to NATO allies and plans to redeploy troops to the Indo-Pacific, have fueled uncertainty about Washington’s long-term commitment. Macron has reportedly held strategic discussions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other EU leaders to coordinate national nuclear policies and explore ways France can support European security.
France Stresses Measured Approach
France maintains a “strict sufficiency” policy, keeping roughly 300 warheads — far fewer than the US or Russia — enough to ensure the ability to inflict unacceptable damage without engaging in a nuclear arms race. Officials emphasize that this expansion is not aimed at replacing NATO, but rather at strengthening European readiness. Cooperation with the UK has also intensified through the Northwood Declaration, creating a Nuclear Steering Group and joint exercises to coordinate Franco-British nuclear capabilities across Europe.
