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France Expands Nuclear Deterrence as Defense Spending Grows
(MENAFN) France’s nuclear deterrence currently represents 13% of the national defense budget, and this proportion is expected to grow as Paris moves forward with plans to expand its nuclear warhead stockpile, Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin said on Tuesday, according to reports.
Speaking on France Inter radio, Vautrin said that spending on nuclear deterrence is projected to reach €57.1 billion ($61.7 billion) in 2026.
Her comments followed President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of an increase in the number of nuclear warheads under a new doctrine of “advanced nuclear deterrence,” aimed at adapting to what he described as a deteriorating and increasingly complex security environment.
Vautrin emphasized that despite heightened interest from several European nations in France’s nuclear umbrella, the country’s deterrence strategy would remain fully funded and controlled by Paris. “What must be kept in mind is that this sovereignty from beginning to end does not vary, it remains a French decision, financed entirely by France. And that is the very foundation of our doctrine,” she said.
The minister also highlighted that France’s broader nuclear posture is not a new concept, recalling that official defense documents from 1972 already defined the country’s vital interests as extending beyond its borders.
The planned expansion, which will increase the current stockpile of roughly 290 warheads, will be financed through additional allocations under the upcoming update to the 2024–2030 Military Programming Law (LPM). The government intends to add €36 billion ($38.9 billion) to the previously approved €413 billion ($447 billion) defense budget framework.
This announcement comes amid ongoing US-Israel military strikes against Iran, which have reportedly resulted in multiple high-level casualties.
Speaking on France Inter radio, Vautrin said that spending on nuclear deterrence is projected to reach €57.1 billion ($61.7 billion) in 2026.
Her comments followed President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of an increase in the number of nuclear warheads under a new doctrine of “advanced nuclear deterrence,” aimed at adapting to what he described as a deteriorating and increasingly complex security environment.
Vautrin emphasized that despite heightened interest from several European nations in France’s nuclear umbrella, the country’s deterrence strategy would remain fully funded and controlled by Paris. “What must be kept in mind is that this sovereignty from beginning to end does not vary, it remains a French decision, financed entirely by France. And that is the very foundation of our doctrine,” she said.
The minister also highlighted that France’s broader nuclear posture is not a new concept, recalling that official defense documents from 1972 already defined the country’s vital interests as extending beyond its borders.
The planned expansion, which will increase the current stockpile of roughly 290 warheads, will be financed through additional allocations under the upcoming update to the 2024–2030 Military Programming Law (LPM). The government intends to add €36 billion ($38.9 billion) to the previously approved €413 billion ($447 billion) defense budget framework.
This announcement comes amid ongoing US-Israel military strikes against Iran, which have reportedly resulted in multiple high-level casualties.
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