France to Increase Nuclear Arsenal and Enhance Cooperation with European Allies

French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to increase France's nuclear warhead count for the first time since 1992, emphasizing a strengthened deterrence amid global geopolitical risks. France, the EU's sole nuclear power, will maintain independent control over its arsenal while expanding cooperation with European allies, including Germany, Poland, and others, through joint exercises and potential temporary deployment of nuclear-armed aircraft. Macron outlined a new "forward deterrence" doctrine to enhance European security amid concerns over US commitment and Russian threats.