France to increase number of nuclear warheads

French President Emmanuel Macron made statements regarding the country's nuclear deterrence doctrine at the strategic Île Longue base off the coast of Brest. Speaking at the base, which is considered the center of France's sea-based nuclear power and home to its strategic nuclear submarine fleet, Macron said, "Deterrence is an indispensable element of French sovereignty. Today, I am announcing to our nation a change that is appropriate to our challenges at the national and European levels."

Macron stated that while the fundamental framework of France's nuclear doctrine is being preserved, the current threat environment necessitates a tougher approach, adding that threats must now be evaluated in an interconnected manner rather than separately. "We are going through a risky period full of geopolitical ruptures. This picture makes it necessary to harden our model," Macron said.

"I have given the order to increase the number of nuclear warheads," Macron said, adding, "We will no longer disclose the numbers of our nuclear arsenal." Emphasizing that this step is not part of an arms race, Macron stated, "This does not mean entering into any arms race. This has never been our doctrine. To be free, one must be a feared power."

The President said that in the new era, not only the number of warheads but also France's overall deterrence architecture will be strengthened. "It is my responsibility to ensure that our deterrence maintains its strength and will continue to do so in the future," said Macron, arguing that the security of the European continent must now be addressed within a broader framework.

Macron also announced that France is moving to a new phase, which he defined as "forward deterrence." "Today, a new era is taking shape in French deterrence. We are moving along the path I call forward deterrence," said Macron, adding that this approach will bring about closer security coordination with certain partners in Europe. Emphasizing that this process will not mean any weakening of France's nuclear sovereignty, Macron said, "Neither its planning, nor its implementation, nor the decision itself will be shared. This authority belongs solely to the President under our Constitution."

Macron stated that France's security has never been seen as limited only to its own borders, and that the European dimension will come to the fore more in the new era. "Our security has never been addressed only within the borders of our territory," said Macron, arguing that this approach will create a wider strategic protection area for Europe. Macron emphasized that this line will not weaken France's sovereignty, but rather make his country's deterrence capacity more visible and effective.

Announcing that the name of France's next-generation nuclear ballistic missile submarine will be L'Invincible, Macron stated that this submarine will enter service in 2036.

Stating that the international security architecture has been seriously eroded, Macron said, "The area of rules has now turned into a field of ruins," emphasizing that the current order based on arms control is gradually weakening. In the face of this picture, Macron expressed that Europe should not shape its understanding of security according to frameworks determined by others.

"Europeans must regain control over their own future," said Macron, presenting France's new nuclear approach as part of both national independence and a quest to take on a stronger role in European security. With the words, "The next half-century will be an age of nuclear weapons," Macron also gave the message that strategic balances in the world will remain under high tension for a long time.