Special Report: France announces boosted deterrence strategy

The French nuclear deterrent is based on M51 SLBMs aboard Le Triomphant-class SSBNs and ASMPA missiles fired by Rafale combat aircraft. (French MoD)

French President Emmanuel Macron announced an advanced nuclear deterrence strategy and an increase in nuclear warheads during a speech at the Île Longue Naval Base in Brittany on 2 March.

He said, “France will always assume sole responsibility, while taking into account the interests of our allies, for the deliberate crossing of the nuclear threshold.” He described advanced deterrence as a progressive approach that “offers partners the opportunity to participate in deterrence exercises initially. This could also involve signalling, including beyond our immediate borders, or the allied forces' conventional participation in our nuclear activities. Finally, it could provide for the deployment, as needed, of strategic force elements to our allies.”