Macron confirms increase in nuclear warheads

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a tightening of France’s nuclear doctrine, arguing that changing times require an adjustment to the country’s approach to nuclear deterrence. He stressed that decisions on the use of nuclear weapons will remain solely in the hands of the president and will not be shared with other states.

France will expand its nuclear arsenal, he said. The head of state has ordered an increase in the number of warheads, although the precise figure will no longer be disclosed. He described the revised concept as ‘preventive deterrence’.

Under certain circumstances, strategic assets could be deployed among allies, the president added. He said the current review of the nuclear doctrine had been developed transparently in co-operation with Britain.

Macron emphasised that the measures complement NATO’s nuclear mission. He added that Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark would support the initiative within the alliance framework.

(reuters, max)