France Plans to Share Nuclear Jets With Allies

France’s president has announced a bold shift in the country’s nuclear policy, saying that France will not only grow its arsenal but also allow other nations to host its nuclear‑armed aircraft for short periods. The move, revealed at a military base that houses France’s submarine fleet, signals a new strategy aimed at making Europe more self‑reliant in defense. The decision comes after years of debate about how European powers should respond to growing tensions with Russia and uncertainties in the United States’ commitment to NATO’s nuclear umbrella. France is the only European Union member with a nuclear deterrent, so the president argued that it should take a more active role in protecting its neighbors. He stressed that any use of the weapons would stay under his sole control.France has already begun talks with several European allies—Britain, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden and Denmark—to discuss how these countries could participate in deterrence exercises or host French jets. German officials have said they will join joint nuclear drills, while Dutch leaders are exploring similar arrangements. The aim is to strengthen a “coordinated but independent” approach among Western European nuclear states. In addition to expanding the fleet, France plans to increase its stock of warheads from less than 300. The president said the move is necessary to maintain a credible deterrent against any potential threat, especially given new regional powers and the risk of coordinated attacks. He warned that without a robust arsenal, no nation could effectively defend itself. Critics argue the policy may trigger an arms race and strain France’s commitments under the Non‑Proliferation Treaty. They also fear it could provoke Russia and lead to higher tensions in Europe. Supporters, however, view the plan as a necessary step toward greater strategic independence and a deterrent that complements NATO’s collective defense.