France to Increase Nuclear Arsenal Amid Global Tensions

Amid war in the Middle East, rising tensions around the world, and security concerns, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday that France will increase its nuclear arsenal, the first time in decades. He did not give a specific number. France currently has fewer than 300 nuclear warheads. It will likely be the first time since 1992 that France will increase its nuclear arsenal. Macron said at a military installation in Le Long, northwestern France, "I have decided to increase the number of warheads in my arsenal." The French president's speech was aimed at clarifying how French nuclear weapons fit into Europe's security amid concerns raised on the continent by recurring tensions with US President Donald Trump. Macron made the announcement from the L'Ill Long military base northwest of France, which is currently home to the country's main ballistic missile base. He said France has decided to increase the number of its nuclear warheads, but has not made it clear that France now has fewer than 300.