France to increase nuclear arsenal and European weapons cooperation, Macron says

French President Emmanuel Macron announced France will increase its nuclear arsenal for the first time in decades amid growing concerns about European security. Macron stated that France, the EU's only nuclear power, must strengthen its deterrence in response to geopolitical upheaval, citing Russia's war in Ukraine, China's military expansion, and changes in US defense strategy. While France will intensify nuclear weapons cooperation with eight European allies, including potentially deploying nuclear-capable jets to countries like Germany and Poland, the ultimate decision on nuclear weapon use will remain solely with the French president. Macron emphasized that this is not an arms race but a necessary measure to ensure France's deterrent capabilities and prevent potential adversaries from attacking without facing devastating consequences. The announcement was made at the Île Longue nuclear submarine base in Brittany.

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