Security in Europe

Denmark says no to storing French nuclear weapons

Denmark has agreed to enter into a dialogue with France on nuclear deterrence. However, the country says no to French nuclear weapons on Danish soil, the government announced at a press conference according to Danish media.

Sweden gave the same message earlier on Monday. In a joint statement, Prime Ministers Ulf Kristersson and Mette Frederiksen write that the initiative will “supplement NATO’s nuclear deterrence”, but add:

“It is important to emphasize that this does not mean that Sweden or Denmark will change their nuclear weapons doctrine, as a result of us starting this dialogue.”

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday that France will expand its nuclear arsenal as part of what he calls “advanced deterrence”.

He is also open to allowing French nuclear-armed fighter jets to be stationed in other European countries.

Macron: France to acquire more nuclear weapons

France will increase the number of nuclear warheads and build a new nuclear-capable submarine, President Emmanuel Macron said, according to news agencies.

“We must strengthen our nuclear deterrence in response to multiple threats,” he said, calling the strategy “advanced deterrence.”

It is the first time in decades that the country has expanded its nuclear arsenal, according to the AP. Macron added that the exact number will be kept secret.

France currently has just under 300 deployed nuclear warheads, the highest number in the world after the United States, Russia and Britain.