Europe reacts to Macron’s offer to deploy atomic weapons to France’s allies

SCMP | March 2, 2026, 2:40 p.m. | Original

French President Emmanuel Macron, right, with an official at the nuclear submarines naval base of Ile Longue in Crozon, near Brest, France on Monday. Photo: EPA

President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that France could deploy nuclear-armed aircraft to allied countries for the first time as he invited eight European countries to take part in exercises with French deterrent forces.

Announcing a new doctrine of “forward deterrence”, Macron said the plans involving partners including Germany, Britain and Poland would “complicate the calculations of our adversaries”.

“We must strengthen our nuclear deterrent in the face of multiple threats, and we must consider our deterrence strategy deep within the European continent,” he said in a speech at France’s Ile Longue nuclear submarine base.

He spoke as Russia’s war against Ukraine grinds into its fifth year, with European nations worried about Washington’s wavering commitment to their security at the same time as the attacks launched by the United States and Israel on Iran threaten to destabilise the Middle East.

The Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden and Denmark could also all take part. Here is how the partner nations have reacted so far:

Denmark

Ruling out French atomic bombs on Danish soil, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said it was “unfortunately” necessary for Europe to discuss deterrence because of a threat from Moscow.

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