Macron to Update France’s Nuclear Doctrine with Focus on European Defense

French President Emmanuel Macron will present his vision on Monday of how the country’s nuclear arsenal can protect Europe.

France24 reported this news.

The review of the nuclear doctrine is taking place against the backdrop of Europe’s rearmament against an aggressive Russia, while Washington remains uncertain about it.

A member of the French president’s team told AFP that “quite significant changes and events” should be expected, but declined to provide any further details.

Back in July 2025, Russia stated that France should not forget about Russia’s nuclear deterrent forces and nuclear doctrine.

Defense of a united Europe

France is currently the only nuclear power in the European Union, and there have been repeated calls for the potential defense of the entire union.

According to polls published in March 2025, 59% of French people support the idea of using France’s nuclear weapons to defend Europe.

European countries have already intensified discussions on strengthening their own nuclear deterrence amid doubts about the long-term commitment of the US to guarantee the security of the continent.

Recently, Germany began negotiations with France on a joint European “nuclear umbrella.” Moreover, in Germany, there is even talk of possible co-financing.

This is important: Nuclear deterrence forces in Europe: how big and independent are they?

Sweden has begun similar talks not only with the French, but also with the UK. Poland is negotiating with both France and the United States.

Against this backdrop, France is actively training its nuclear forces. In November 2025, Miltarnyi reported that a French Rafale carrier-based fighter jet had test-fired a modernized ASMPA-R strategic nuclear missile. And in October, the French Ministry of Armed Forces announced the operational capabilities of the new M51.3 intercontinental ballistic missile for Le Triomphant-class nuclear submarines.