France to increase nuclear arsenal as Macron announces shift in atomic doctrine

French President Emmanuel Macron has broken decades of nuclear convention, pledging to increase the country’s warhead arsenal, clearly defining France’s role in European security.

The announcement marks the most significant shifts in French nuclear doctrine since the Cold War ended.

"An increase of our arsenal is indispensable," the French president said at the highly secure Ile Longue naval base that houses France’s nuclear submarines.

Macron said that France could deploy nuclear-armed aircraft to allied countries for the first time as he invited eight European countries to take part in exercises with French deterrent forces.

Announcing a new doctrine of "forward deterrence", Macron noted that the plans involving partners including Germany, Britain and Poland would "complicate the calculations of our adversaries".

"We must strengthen our nuclear deterrent in the face of multiple threats, and we must consider our deterrence strategy deep within the European continent," he added in the speech.

Macron spoke as Russia's war against Ukraine grinds into its fifth year, with European nations worried about Washington's commitment to their security at the same time as the attacks launched by the US and Israel on Iran threaten to destabilise the Middle East.

The Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden and Denmark could also all take part.

Here is how the partner nations have reacted so far:

Denmark

Ruling out French atomic bombs on Danish soil, Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said it was "unfortunately" necessary for Europe to discuss deterrence because of a threat from Moscow.

"It is about being at the table and so having better access to information and to strategic decisions," she said at a press conference.

"This cooperation must respect current Danish nuclear policy," she added.

Germany

In a joint statement with France, Germany said it would participate in French nuclear exercises but it added that the US should keep its nuclear forces on the continent.

"France and Germany have agreed to take first concrete steps beginning this year, including German conventional participation in French nuclear exercises and joint visits to strategic sites," the statement said.

"This Franco-German cooperation is based on the shared understanding that the nuclear dimension of deterrence remains a cornerstone of European security, relying on US extended deterrence," it added.

Poland

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk welcomed the plans and said they would make his country safer.

"Poland is in talks with France and a group of closest European allies on the programme of advanced nuclear deterrence," Tusk wrote in a post on X.

"We are arming up together with our friends so that our enemies will never dare to attack us."

Poland's nationalist President Karol Nawrocki recently expressed support for a homegrown deterrent without going into details on any proposed scheme.

Sweden

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said his country viewed Macron's suggestion "positively".

"Naturally, we would most like to see a world completely free of nuclear weapons," he said.

"But as long as Russia has these weapons and threatens its neighbours, democracies must be able to deter attacks and safeguard our own security and freedom."