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Since 1958, France has adopted a strategic stance of nuclear independence, ensuring that its security does not depend on the United States or NATO. Today, faced with growing threats and uncertainty about the American commitment to European defense, the country is reassessing its role and discussing expanding its nuclear shield to allies on the continent.
French President Emmanuel Macron recently suggested the possibility of integrating France's nuclear deterrent into Europe's security.
The idea generated heated debates, but it also brought a new perspective for countries like Germany and Poland, which previously relied exclusively on US protection.
France's nuclear plan began in 1958 with Charles de Gaulle
France's independent nuclear policy began with General Charles de Gaulle, who believed that the country's security could not be completely dependent on the United States and NATO. He argued that despite the alliance with Washington, American interests did not always coincide with those of Europe.
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Thus, France invested in the development of its own nuclear warheads, creating a sovereign defense capability. Unlike the United Kingdom, which maintains its nuclear deterrence with American technology, France fully controls its arsenal, without depending on anyone.
Today, with 300 nuclear warheads, France has become one of the world's leading military powers, capable of launching strategic strikes both by aircraft and nuclear submarines.
Macron proposes expanding France's nuclear shield to Europe
Faced with the new global scenario, Emmanuel Macron brought up a delicate debate: could France protect other European countries with its nuclear shield?
The French government has clarified that it is not about sharing nuclear weapons, but rather about evaluating how France's protection could be extended to European allies. This would mean:
- French nuclear bombers patrol over allied countries.
- Stationing of nuclear fighters at bases in other European countries.
- Defense agreements for possible use of the arsenal in case of threats.
This proposal, however, encounters political resistance within France itself. Sectors of the far right and far left criticize the idea, arguing that the country should maintain its deterrence only for national defense.
Growing uncertainty about US support strengthens the idea
Until recently, most European countries did not consider the French option, as they trusted the nuclear umbrella of the US and NATO. However, this view began to change with the policy of Donald Trump, who, during his administration, threatened to reduce military support to Europe.
Faced with this uncertainty, Germany and Poland have begun to consider French nuclear protection as a viable alternative. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz surprised allies by suggesting a dialogue with France and the United Kingdom to strengthen Europe's nuclear deterrent.
This shift in security perception indicates that Europe may be moving towards a new defense model, less dependent on the United States.
Russia, the UK and the balance of nuclear power in Europe
Even if France and the UK combined their nuclear forces to total 550 warheads, that number would still be far smaller than Russia's arsenal, which has around 6.000 warheads (although most are in reserve).
Despite the numerical difference, experts say that nuclear deterrence does not depend solely on the number of weapons, but on the ability to respond quickly and effectively. France, for example, has M51 missiles installed on nuclear submarines, capable of reaching Moscow and other Russian cities.
Still, there is a major strategic challenge:
- Russia, due to its geographic size, could withstand a prolonged nuclear conflict.
- France, on the other hand, does not have this advantage, making its defense based on the ability to immediately counterattack.
Therefore, the main question is whether France should change its nuclear doctrine to make it clear that it would protect other countries in the European Union. Some analysts believe that maintaining ambiguity is part of the deterrence strategy, while others argue that an explicit commitment would bring more security to allies.
