Major Changes in France's Nuclear Deterrence Strategy: Increasing the Number of Nuclear Warheads and Opening to Europe

French President Macron announced on Monday that he would increase the number of nuclear warheads to expand France's nuclear arsenal, but no specific numbers were disclosed. He also proposed a "forward deterrence" plan involving eight European countries, but with "no shared final decision-making power."

Macron delivered his speech at a nuclear submarine base near Brest, France, saying, "In this dangerous and turbulent world, to gain freedom, one must be feared, and I believe this deeply."

He mentioned the significant risks facing Europe, including the nuclear threats cast by Russia in Ukraine and repeated violations of nuclear non-proliferation principles.

He criticized the global nuclear weapons control system as severely weakened, likening it to a "ruin," with multiple international treaties now失效 or under threat.

He announced an increase in the number of French nuclear warheads and introduced the concept of "forward deterrence." In response to potential nuclear threats, he stated, "As the President of the Republic, I will not hesitate to make the necessary decisions to protect our core interests," and "If we must use force, no country, however powerful, will escape; no country, however vast its territory, will escape!"

Macron said that from now on, France will no longer disclose the number of its nuclear arsenal. According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Russia has 4,300 nuclear warheads, the United States has 3,700, China has 600, and the United Kingdom has 225.

With the presence of Prime Minister Lecornu, key ministers, and senior leaders of France's strategic forces, Macron proposed a "forward deterrence" nuclear plan, involving eight European countries. These include the UK, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, and Denmark, and Macron emphasized that "our partners are ready."

Macron said "Germany will become a key partner in this operation." The two countries then announced the establishment of a joint "nuclear issues steering group."

To calm domestic opponents, Macron emphasized that "the final decision-making power for initiating nuclear strikes will not be shared with allies." He stressed, "The command chain is completely clear, and the final decision-making power - the decision to launch nuclear weapons - belongs solely to the President of the Republic."

Experts point out that this is the most important update to France's nuclear military policy in 30 years, the largest change since President Chirac adjusted it in 1995-1996. Two points are especially worth noting: the increase in the number of weapons and the "forward deterrence" strategy.

This upgrade also marks the end of a cycle, namely the conclusion of France's nuclear disarmament process based on the "self-reliance" concept since the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact and the Soviet Union in 1991.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1858638789016907/

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