French President Emmanuel Macron announced a major expansion of France's nuclear arsenal and a historic shift in European nuclear policy. For the first time, France will allow temporary deployment of its nuclear-armed aircraft to allied nations, marking a significant change in how Europe approaches collective defense amid growing uncertainty about U.S. commitments.

Macron revealed plans to increase France's nuclear warheads beyond the current level of below 300, though specific numbers were not disclosed. The president emphasized that France would maintain sole decision-making authority over nuclear weapons use while enabling conventional forces from partner nations to participate in nuclear exercises and deterrence activities.

The initiative includes talks with Britain, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden and Denmark. Germany and France will deepen integration in deterrence this year, including German conventional participation in French nuclear exercises. The Netherlands confirmed it's in strategic talks with France on nuclear deterrence as a supplement to NATO's collective defense.