French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to increase the country's nuclear warheads and allow the temporary deployment of nuclear-armed aircraft to eight European countries.
The move is part of Macron's 'advanced deterrence' strategy, a nuclear-security relationship with key European partners that is distinct from but complementary to NATO arrangements, according to officials.
Macron made the announcement at France's Ile Longue nuclear submarine base, citing the need to strengthen the country's nuclear deterrent in the face of multiple threats, including Russian aggression and growing tensions in the Middle East.
European Security Concerns
The eight European countries that have agreed to participate in Macron's scheme include Germany, Britain, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, and Denmark, authorities said.
These countries will be able to host French 'strategic air forces', which will be able to 'spread out across the European continent' to 'complicate the calculations of our adversaries', Macron said.
Macron also announced that France will no longer disclose the figures for its nuclear arsenal, reversing past transparency practices, the ministry stated.
Global Context
Macron's announcement came as he claimed that the world is 'hardening', with adversaries 'bolder', alliances more uncertain, and nuclear risks higher than in the past, witnesses told local media.
Russia is waging a 'slow and cruel' war against Ukraine, while China has embarked on a rapid military build-up, and in Asia, India, Pakistan, and North Korea are 'rapidly expanding' their arsenals and strategic forces, Macron said.
'We must strengthen our nuclear deterrent in the face of multiple threats, and we must consider our deterrence strategy deep within the European continent, with full respect for our sovereignty,' Macron said.
Source: Al Jazeera
