Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed to deploy his country's nuclear weapons somewhere else in Europe. Macron has said that he is ready to discuss the possible deployment of France's nuclear weapons in another country in Europe. He said this in an interview with France's channel TF! on Tuesday evening. The French President also said that America is already deploying nuclear armed aircraft in Europe. Macron said, America has bombs in planes in Belgium, Germany, Italy and Turkey. Macron's remarks have come at a time when security concerns about Russia have increased in Europe.
Macron's plan on nuclear weapons
He said, 'I will define the framework in a very specific way in the coming weeks and months.' Macron made it clear that any expansion of France's nuclear umbrella to other European countries would be subject to conditions. Macron stressed that France would not weaken itself for the safety of others and its own defense capabilities must remain fully intact. Macron also said that the final control over the use of nuclear weapons would remain entirely with the French President.
How many nuclear weapons does France have?
France is the only country in the European Union to have nuclear weapons. According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, France had 280 nuclear weapons in the year 2024. France has the ability to launch nuclear weapons independently from submarines and drop them from jets. Britain also has nuclear weapons, but the country's Trident nuclear submarine program is closely linked to the US system and depends on the US for maintenance.
Germany and other countries showed interest
Macron proposed talks with European allies in March on how French weapons could help defend Europe. Many European leaders feel that the US nuclear commitment to Europe's security can no longer be trusted amid concerns about the Russian threat. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also shown interest in hosting French nuclear weapons in his country. There are already 20 US nuclear weapons deployed on German military airbases. Poland, Denmark and Lithuania have said in past months that they are open to such a possibility.
Statement on Third World War
Macron was cautious about tensions with Moscow during the interview. He said France did not want to start a 'third world war' over Russia's war in Ukraine. Macron said, 'We must help Ukraine defend itself, but we do not want to start a third world war.' He said, 'The war must end and Ukraine must be in the best possible position for talks.'
Russia furious over France's proposal
Russia is furious over the French President's proposal. Criticising France's proposal, Russia said on Wednesday that this move will not increase the security of the continent. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the media, the spread of nuclear weapons on the European continent is something that will not add security, predictability or stability to the continent.
