French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed readiness to engage in discussions on nuclear deterrence with European allies, particularly in light of recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump that have raised concerns among European NATO members. Macron's proposal, which has been on the table for some time, has gained urgency following Trump's comments questioning the trans-Atlantic alliance and the defense of Ukraine.
Nuclear deterrence is a strategy based on the belief that the threat of nuclear weapons can deter hostile actions, especially nuclear attacks, by other nations. During the Cold War, the U.S. provided a nuclear umbrella to protect its allies, including NATO members, which discouraged these nations from developing their own nuclear arsenals.
France is the sole nuclear power within the European Union, with the United Kingdom also possessing nuclear weapons. In response to Trump's call for Europe to take on more defense responsibilities, there have been discussions about potential nuclear sharing arrangements with France.
France's nuclear deterrence policy is strictly defensive, aimed at safeguarding the country's vital interests. While France is a member of NATO, it maintains its nuclear forces independently while collaborating with the alliance's broader deterrence strategy.
France's nuclear arsenal, which includes ballistic missiles on submarines and air-launched cruise missiles, is designed to maintain ambiguity about the circumstances that would trigger their use, thus enhancing deterrence.
France is estimated to possess around 290 nuclear warheads, making it the fourth-largest nuclear arsenal globally. The exact number of weapons held by each country is classified as a national secret, with the U.S. and Russia possessing the majority of the world's nuclear weapons.
Macron's suggestion of using France's nuclear capabilities to protect Europe has sparked debate within the country, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen criticizing the idea of nuclear sharing. However, Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu emphasized that France's nuclear deterrent would remain under the president's authority.
As European leaders prepare to address the issue of nuclear deterrence and European defense at a summit in Brussels, the debate over France's role in providing security for the continent continues.
