France expands nuclear arsenal and strengthens European defense cooperation

France will expand its nuclear arsenal and deepen cooperation with European neighbors to deter attacks, a significant shift in its nuclear doctrine. President Macron announced a strategy of "forward deterrence," including joint exercises and temporary relocation of warheads, to address a changing security landscape with an aggressive Russia and uncertain US commitment. This overhaul, the most significant in 30 years, aims to bolster European security but experts note it won't fully replace the US nuclear umbrella, and future policy faces political uncertainty.