French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint statement on the 2nd, announcing that France and Germany have decided to carry out closer cooperation in the field of nuclear deterrence to address the constantly evolving threat landscape.
The statement said that the two countries have established a high-level nuclear affairs steering group as a framework for bilateral theoretical dialogue and coordination of strategic cooperation, especially for consultations on the appropriate combination of conventional forces, missile defense capabilities, and French nuclear capabilities.
The statement said that France and Germany are committed to taking concrete measures on this matter this year, including participation of German conventional forces in French nuclear exercises, joint visits to strategic locations, and development of conventional forces together with European partners. The two countries will also enhance their capabilities to manage escalation of situations, with key areas including early warning, air defense, and precision strikes.
The statement emphasized that this Franco-German cooperation is not intended to replace NATO’s nuclear deterrence and nuclear sharing arrangements, but will serve as a complement.
France to increase number of nuclear warheads
On the other hand, Macron said in a speech at the Île Longue military base in western France on the 2nd that he has ordered an increase in the number of nuclear warheads in France’s arsenal.
He pointed out that the current geopolitical environment is full of risks, and in the face of multiple threats, France must strengthen its nuclear deterrence.
He stated that, under full respect for national sovereignty, it is necessary to “think about our deterrence strategy at the depth of the European continent.”
Macron said that France’s security is not limited to its own territory, and that France is entering a new phase of nuclear deterrence, which is so-called “forward deterrence.”
He stated that the “forward deterrence” plan offers partner countries the opportunity to participate in deterrence exercises, and in some cases, it may allow France “to deploy strategic forces among allies,” enabling France’s “strategic air forces” to penetrate deep into the heart of the European continent, thereby expanding the range and reinforcing defense capabilities.
He noted that eight European countries — Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, and Denmark — have agreed to participate in the “forward deterrence” plan.
Macron also announced that the French ballistic missile nuclear submarine Invincible is scheduled to set sail in 2036.