French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France feels protected due to its possession of nuclear weapons.
Speaking to France 2 channel on Thursday, Macron said, “We must feel protected because we are a country that possesses them (nuclear weapons). And this ensures the security of French citizens.”
At the same time, Macron acknowledged that French defense industries are not prepared for a severe conflict, noting that France did not expect it, in response to a question about the scarcity of ammunition produced in the country.
France is considered the fourth nuclear-armed country in the world in terms of nuclear warheads, numbering around 300 warheads, reduced from about 540 during the Cold War era.
French military doctrine stipulates the need for one to four French nuclear submarines in the Atlantic Ocean at all times.
France’s nuclear program, initiated in the 1950s, aimed to establish a credible deterrent against potential adversaries, especially during the Cold War.
The country conducted its first nuclear test in 1960 and subsequently developed a robust nuclear arsenal.
Today, France maintains a nuclear triad consisting of submarine-launched ballistic missiles, land-based missiles, and strategic aircraft.
President Macron’s recent remarks underscore France’s reliance on nuclear deterrence for national security.
However, concerns persist over the aging infrastructure and dwindling stockpile of nuclear weapons, prompting discussions on modernization efforts and the role of nuclear weapons in contemporary security strategies.
