France to Expand Nuclear Arsenal

France currently possesses the world's fourth-largest nuclear arsenal, with an estimated 290 warheads. This marks the first time the country will increase its stockpile since the early 1990s. The majority of France's warheads are deployed on submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), with the remainder allocated to air-launched cruise missiles. The core of France's nuclear deterrent, the *Force de dissuasion*, consists of a sea and air-based component. This includes four *Triomphant*-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, one of which is always on patrol, and a fleet of Rafale fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear-armed missiles. The country dismantled its land-based missiles in 1996. This strategic shift is part of what President Macron calls "advanced deterrence," a policy designed to adapt to a more complex and threatening global security environment. The plan includes not just an increase in warheads but also enhanced cooperation with eight other European nations, including Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom. While the ultimate decision to use nuclear weapons remains solely with the French president, the new doctrine allows for German conventional forces to participate in French nuclear exercises. This move is seen by some as a step toward a European-led nuclear deterrent amid concerns about the reliability of U.S. security guarantees. The development of France's nuclear capability dates back to the post-World War II era, heavily influenced by Charles de Gaulle. The first nuclear test was conducted in 1960, with the program designed to ensure French sovereignty and deter aggression, particularly from the Soviet Union. France is the only European Union member state with nuclear weapons. The planned expansion has drawn criticism from anti-nuclear proliferation groups, who warn it could escalate an arms race. This comes at a time when global nuclear arsenals, after years of decline post-Cold War, are seeing a renewed increase in the number of warheads in military stockpiles. Countries like China, India, and the United Kingdom are also expanding their arsenals. The cost of this modernization is significant, with France's nuclear deterrence budget projected to reach €57.1 billion ($61.7 billion) in 2026, accounting for a growing share of the nation's defense spending. President Macron has emphasized that the goal is not an arms race but to ensure any potential adversary would face unacceptable consequences.