The Digester

Macron expands French nuclear deterrent and offers limited umbrella to European allies

Mar 10th 2026

At a secretive naval base Emmanuel Macron announced a tighter European role for France’s nuclear force while keeping final launch authority in Paris; measures include coordination with NATO, temporary stationing of nuclear-capable aircraft, multinational exercises and partner visits starting with Germany.

  • France will increase its nuclear stockpile and stop publishing the exact warhead count.