France has begun working with 10 European nations on nuclear deterrence, as confidence in the US nuclear umbrella wanes and governments across the continent reassess their security. Ten countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland and several Nordic nations, have joined President Emmanuel Macron’s initiative, known as “forward deterrence,” according to reports published on Sunday and Monday. The Baltic states are not included, while Italy has declined to participate.
Jets, intelligence and early warning
The proposed programme involves deploying French nuclear-capable fighter jets across European countries. Participants also intend to expand intelligence sharing and improve early-warning systems, with the measures designed to strengthen deterrence against Russia. The initiative responds to Macron’s March 2026 speech at the Île Longue naval base, in which he presented the concept of “advanced deterrence.” He opened the door to the occasional deployment of elements of France’s strategic forces on allied territory — while stressing that the ultimate decision on nuclear employment would remain under exclusively French authority.
A supplement, not a replacement
France has not issued an explicit guarantee that it would use nuclear weapons to defend a particular ally, and Macron has said French vital interests have a European dimension without transferring the definition of those interests or creating automatic guarantees equivalent to a collective-defence treaty. The initiative is intended to supplement, not replace, US-led security arrangements. Its purpose is to add another layer of deterrence and strengthen European military coordination amid uncertainty about future American commitments.
The move comes as France and the Netherlands hold the first meeting of their bilateral Nuclear Steering Group, and days after British jets joined a French nuclear exercise for the first time. Piece by piece, Europe’s nuclear map is being redrawn — with Paris at its centre.
