Unlike before, France will no longer provide information about the number of nuclear weapons it has. “Whoever wants to be free must be feared. Whoever wants to be feared must be strong.”

France is the only nuclear power in the EU

Macron also announced joint nuclear military exercises with Germany. “Germany is a key partner. The first steps of cooperation will begin this year and may include visits to strategic locations and joint exercises,” said the French President.

France has been the only remaining nuclear power in the EU since Great Britain left in 2020. According to the peace research institute Sipri, the country has 290 of the world’s approximately 12,200 nuclear weapons, making it the fourth largest nuclear power after Russia, the USA and China.

The country has four nuclear submarines, from which missiles with nuclear warheads can be fired with a range of about 10,000 kilometers. France can also use nuclear weapons from the air. Its Rafale fighter jets can shoot down the country’s 50 cruise missiles with nuclear warheads. These officially have a range of around 500 kilometers.

Macron sees growing nuclear threat in the world

Macron stressed that he owed it to France to ensure that deterrence remained credible. A larger nuclear arsenal is essential. However, this should not be an entry into a nuclear arms race.

To justify this, Macron referred to growing nuclear threats worldwide. The threat is becoming more complex and the defense of possible opponents is becoming stronger. Specifically, Macron cited China’s growing nuclear armament, the explosive situation in the Middle East and the threat from Russia.

On expanding France’s nuclear arsenal, Macron said a new nuclear submarine would be built by 2036.