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Macron Orders French Nuclear Buildup, Unveils European Deterrence Plan

Paris casts the shift as a response to a more perilous security environment with sole presidential control over use.

Overview

  • Macron said he ordered an increase in France's nuclear warheads to sustain a credible deterrent in a more unstable world.
  • He outlined an "advanced" European framework that lets partners join French-led nuclear deterrence exercises and host French strategic air forces on allied territory.
  • Paris said up to eight partners have accepted in principle—Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden and Denmark.
  • Macron stressed that any decision to use nuclear weapons remains the sole responsibility of the French presidency.
  • European leaders signaled engagement, with Poland confirming talks, Germany planning participation in exercises this year, and Sweden, Belgium and Denmark voicing support.