Is France's nuclear arsenal not enough to protect Europe?
Although France claims to provide a deterrent force to protect the European Union, its current nuclear arsenal is considered insufficient.
According to RIA Novosti, the French newspaper Figaro reported on May 15 that France's nuclear arsenal is not enough to protect the entire European Union (EU), despite Paris's declaration of readiness to provide deterrence forces to protect the EU.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on May 13 that France is ready to start discussions on the deployment of French nuclear-capable aircraft in other European countries. In this regard, Russian President's press secretary Dmitry Peskov noted that the proliferation of nuclear weapons in Europe will not increase the security, predictability and stability of this region.
"A stockpile of 290 nuclear warheads may not be enough in the context of extended deterrence to European interests," wrote Figaro.
According to the publication, the issue could also involve placing nuclear bombs at the bases of European partners, similar to the deterrence system created by the US within NATO.
In France – the EU's only nuclear power – the concept of "self-sufficiency" in nuclear arsenals on a national scale must be reconsidered in the new reality, experts say.
"Europe needs to build a new strategy for its security. France and Britain should gradually expand their strategic arsenals," said Heather Williams, director of the nuclear issues project at the US think tank CSIS.
Heather Williams recalls that, from 2021, London decided to interrupt the process of reducing the number of warheads, increasing the number from 225 to 260.
“If we talk about opening warehouses at other bases in Europe, this will entail increasing the amount of reserves,” expert Yannick Panse told Figaro.
Earlier, the French President announced that Istrian and Rafale fighter jets carrying supersonic nuclear warheads will be deployed at the Luxeuil air base on the border with Germany by 2035.
In early March 2025, Emmanuel Macron said that Russia was considered a threat to France and Europe and called for discussions on the use of French nuclear weapons to protect the entire EU, noting that the US had changed its stance on Ukraine and on the issue of Washington's leadership role in NATO. According to Macron, this was a "response to the call" of the new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.