Norway, Finland Open Talks on France's Nuclear Shield as SIPRI Counts 2,200 Warheads on Alert
Updated
Updated · Breaking Defense · Jun 8
Norway, Finland Open Talks on France's Nuclear Shield as SIPRI Counts 2,200 Warheads on Alert
2 articles · Updated · Breaking Defense · Jun 8
Summary
Norway and Finland have begun discussions with Paris on France’s extended nuclear deterrence, widening Scandinavian interest in Macron’s plan as Europe reassesses security guarantees.
Nine European countries have now discussed the initiative, according to Oslo, while both Norway and Finland stressed NATO remains their main deterrent and Norway will keep its peacetime ban on nuclear weapons on its soil.
SIPRI said deployed nuclear warheads rose over the past year, with about 2,200 on high operational alert out of roughly 12,000 worldwide; China is expanding fastest and could match US or Russian ICBM numbers by decade’s end.
France’s stockpile was listed at 370 warheads in January 2026, up from 290 a year earlier, though SIPRI’s Hans Kristensen said the jump likely reflects a temporary overlap between retiring and replacement warheads.
The talks revive Macron’s 2020 proposal under sharper pressure from Russia’s war in Ukraine and doubts about long-term US commitment, even as analysts debate how credible an independent French guarantee would be.
Without shared control, can France's nuclear shield credibly protect its European allies?
As the global arms race accelerates, what new rules can prevent a nuclear conflict?
Nine European Nations Pivot to French Nuclear Deterrence Amid US Strategic Shift: The New European Security Order
Overview
Amid growing regional security concerns and shifting US defense priorities, Norway, Finland, and Sweden are turning to France for enhanced nuclear deterrence. This strategic shift is driven by Russia’s actions and a desire for stronger European security. Norway is set to become the ninth country to join France’s nuclear deterrence program, marking a significant alignment with a major European nuclear power. Finland and Sweden are also deepening their cooperation, reflecting a broader Nordic engagement in European defense. Together, these moves highlight a new era of integrated European deterrence and a proactive response to evolving security challenges.