French President Emmanuel Macron announced significant changes to France’s nuclear posture on March 2, 2026, from the Île Longue naval base aboard the submarine Le Téméraire. The doctrine of “forward deterrence” introduces four key shifts: an increase in nuclear warheads, the first since 1992; cessation of disclosing total stockpile sizes for strategic ambiguity; allowance for forward-basing of nuclear weapons outside French territory; and enhanced bilateral deterrence collaboration with European allies.
This marks the most substantial evolution in French nuclear policy in decades, driven by concerns over the current arsenal’s capacity to penetrate Russian air defenses. Macron emphasized conventional support from partners, including early-warning systems, anti-drone and anti-missile defenses, and deep-precision strikes, under the doctrine of épaulement—mutual support integrating conventional forces into nuclear operations.
Germany responded swiftly: Chancellor Friedrich Merz established a Franco-German nuclear steering group, with Berlin providing conventional support in French nuclear exercises by year-end. A joint declaration by Macron and Merz affirmed that this complements NATO’s nuclear sharing, maintains dialogue with the US and UK, and upholds non-proliferation commitments. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated these advancements ensure “that our enemies will never dare to attack us.”
France reiterated rejection of tactical nuclear responses, lacking sub-strategic options against Russia’s 1,500 non-strategic warheads. Joint exercises are planned with Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden, though Paris retains sole use authority.