France will increase its nuclear warhead stockpile and temporarily deploy nuclear weapons to European allies for the first time in history amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran.
The Wall Street Journal reported on the 2nd (local time) that French President Emmanuel Macron is pursuing a "forward deterrence" strategy with eight European countries including Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Poland. Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, and Greece are also in discussions. The plan includes provisions for allied nations to participate in French nuclear exercises.
The key issue is whether allies will participate in French nuclear drills. Discussions are also underway on options for allies to support French nuclear forces or for France to temporarily deploy nuclear-armed fighter jets on allied territory. President Macron emphasized that France would maintain sole control over when and how to use nuclear weapons.
France is also expanding its stockpile of approximately 290 nuclear warheads that can be launched from Rafale fighter jets and submarines. The country has decided to stop publicly disclosing its nuclear warhead count, as Britain has done. This is part of a strategy allowing the president to order strikes to protect core national interests.
"To be free, you must be feared, and to be feared, you must be strong," President Macron said.
The measures come in response to US President Donald Trump's hostile stance toward Europe, growing Russian threats, and escalating conflict between the US and Iran. Analysts suggest President Macron determined that a new posture was necessary after observing the widening US-Iran conflict. Officials explained this is intended to complement, not replace, American nuclear deterrence. The US currently deploys tactical nuclear weapons at NATO bases in five countries.
Germany has also announced plans to participate in French nuclear exercises following President Trump's threats to annex Greenland. The two countries have agreed to establish a "senior-level nuclear operations group" for strategic cooperation.