Macron says France will allow temporary deployment of nuclear-armed jets to allies
Mar 2nd 2026
President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a new nuclear posture allowing temporary overseas deployment of French nuclear-armed aircraft, announced a warhead increase, and said talks have begun with several European partners while stressing France retains sole control over any use.
- France will allow the temporary deployment of elements of its strategic air forces to allied countries.
- Any decision to use French nuclear weapons will remain solely with the French president.
- Paris has opened talks with Britain, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden and Denmark.
- Macron said France will increase its number of nuclear warheads from the current level below 300 but did not give a new figure.
- The announcement was made at L'Ile Longue, the naval base that hosts France's ballistic missile submarines.
- The move follows European concerns about US security commitments and builds on a July Franco-British declaration to coordinate their nuclear forces.