Overview
- President Emmanuel Macron said France will increase its number of nuclear warheads for the first time since 1992, gave no target figure, and ended routine public disclosure of stockpile totals.
- He introduced an “advanced” or “forward” deterrence concept that permits temporary deployment of French nuclear‑capable aircraft to partner bases in Germany, Britain, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden and Denmark.
- France reiterated exclusive national control over its nuclear forces, confirmed that only the French president would authorize use, and rejected placing French weapons on foreign aircraft.
- Paris and Berlin announced a nuclear steering group and promised first steps this year, including conventional German participation in French nuclear exercises and joint visits to strategic sites.
- Partner governments described the initiative as a supplement to NATO’s posture as concerns rise over US reliability and Russia’s aggression, while disarmament advocates criticized the expansion for escalation risks, costs and reduced transparency.