Paris: France's nuclear deterrence currently accounts for 13% of the defense budget and is set to represent an even larger share as Paris moves forward with plans to increase its nuclear warhead stockpile, Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin said on Tuesday. Speaking to France Inter radio, Vautrin noted that nuclear deterrence spending is expected to reach £57.1 billion ($61.7 billion) in 2026.

According to Anadolu Agency, her remarks came a day after President Emmanuel Macron announced an increase in the number of nuclear warheads under a new doctrine of 'advanced nuclear deterrence,' aimed at adapting to what he described as a deteriorating and increasingly complex security environment. Vautrin emphasized that despite growing interest from several European countries in France's nuclear umbrella, deterrence would remain fully funded and controlled by Paris.

The minister reiterated that the sovereignty of France's nuclear deterrence is a national decision, fully financed by France. This principle is the cornerstone of their doctrine, she stated. Vautrin also mentioned that the French nuclear posture has been consistent in its strategic outlook since 1972, when official defense documents first stated that France's vital interests extend beyond its borders.

The cost of increasing the warhead count, from the current stockpile of around 290, will be covered through additional allocations under an upcoming update to the 2024-2030 Military Programming Law (LPM). The government plans to add £36 billion to the previously approved £413 billion defense framework.

This decision comes amid ongoing US-Israel strikes against Iran, which have resulted in the deaths of several top Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior military officials. In response, Tehran has launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries, which house US assets.