France has decided to expand its nuclear arsenal and build a new submarine capable of carrying nuclear weapons. This was announced by President Emmanuel Macron during a policy speech at a naval base south of Brest in western France. At the same time, the possibility is being opened for other European countries—among them Sweden—to participate in exercises that train the French deterrence capability.
The decisions are part of an updated nuclear strategy developed in light of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Macron describes the strategy as a form of advanced deterrence that covers the entire EU.
– Our nuclear deterrent capability is robust. Everyone knows the unbearable price that awaits them in the event of an attack, Macron said.
READ ALSO: Continued focus on Ukraine and nuclear weapons in Sweden
As part of the strategy, France will stop publishing the number of nuclear warheads in its stockpile, something that was previously transparent.
– I have ordered an increase in the number of nuclear warheads in our stockpile. We will also no longer disclose any figures regarding our nuclear arsenal, the president explained.
Macron mentioned that countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Belgium, and the Netherlands may be given the opportunity to participate in exercises to train the French deterrence capability. In total, eight countries are said to have shown interest in participating.
READ ALSO: Parliament: No rejection of US nuclear weapons in Sweden
Earlier this winter, France and the United Kingdom—Western Europe’s other nuclear power—conducted their first joint exercises. Macron also clarified that France retains control over all decisions regarding the use of the weapons—which means such decisions are made in Paris, not in Sweden.
– There will be no sharing of the ultimate decisions, neither regarding planning nor execution, the president said.
Watch Macron’s speech:
Kristersson discusses with Åkesson
Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) confirms that Sweden is prepared to participate in talks with France and other NATO countries to strengthen Europe’s security.
Before the message was delivered to France, the government held discussions with both Social Democrat leader Magdalena Andersson and Sweden Democrat leader Jimmie Åkesson. The prime minister has also had several discussions with Supreme Commander Michael Claesson.
READ ALSO: SD: ‘Russian disinformation’ to oppose nuclear weapons in Sweden
The prime minister emphasizes that, of course, Sweden strives for a world without nuclear weapons. At the same time, he argues that when Russia possesses nuclear weapons and threatens its neighbors, democracies must have the means to deter and protect their own security and freedom.
– The talks that will now begin are aimed at strengthening Swedish and European security in uncertain times, Kristersson concludes.
According to Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M), nuclear weapons on Swedish soil cannot be ruled out during wartime.
– Should war break out, we will be open to anything that can secure Sweden’s survival and, of course, Swedish security, Jonson says to national radio.
