France, the only EU country with nuclear weapons, launched a program in March to use its atomic arsenal for continental security. Norway joins Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom in this deterrence initiative. The agreement aims to strengthen collective defense amid geopolitical tensions, with French nuclear power as a guarantee.
How French nuclear deterrence works in the 21st century 🛡️
The French arsenal is based on nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and Rafale aircraft carrying ASMP-A missiles. Each SSBN carries 16 M51 missiles with a range of 10,000 km and 100-kiloton warheads. The system operates on permanent alert: one submarine is always patrolling the Atlantic. The European initiative does not involve sharing weapons, but rather coordinating strategies and military exercises. France maintains exclusive control over launch codes.
Norway jumps on the French nuclear umbrella bandwagon ☕
Norway, a country that always says no to nuclear weapons, now says yes to the French umbrella. Well, geopolitics has its quirks. One can imagine Norwegian diplomats in Paris: Bring us a coffee and a guarantee of mutually assured destruction, please. Meanwhile, Swedish neighbors are already on the list, perhaps so Norway doesn't feel alone at the nuclear dinner. The menu includes baguette, cheese, and the promise that if one is attacked, France explodes.