ZB ZB
Opinion
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

France to strengthen nuclear arsenal amid period of 'geopolitical upheaval'

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 3 Mar 2026, 9:56am
President of France Emmanuel Macron.  (Photo by Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
President of France Emmanuel Macron. (Photo by Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

France to strengthen nuclear arsenal amid period of 'geopolitical upheaval'

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 3 Mar 2026, 9:56am

France is increasing its nuclear arsenal for the first time in decades.  

It will also significantly intensify nuclear weapons cooperation with eight European allies, French President Emmanuel Macron announced. 

He says the “period of geopolitical upheaval” means France, the EU’s only nuclear power, must strengthen its deterrent in the face of multiple threats. 

France Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking that in the past, France maintained a policy of “strict sufficiency” for its nuclear warheads, but that policy has been removed. 

She says they’re not sure how many warheads will be in the supply, as the details have been light. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you