MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. France will be unable to use its "nuclear umbrella," as announced by President Emmanuel Macron, without approval from the United States, as long as it remains a member of NATO, Alexander Mikhailov, the head of the Bureau of Military and Political Analysis, told TASS.
"France boasts the most powerful military-industrial complex in Europe, producing a wide range of weapons - from small arms to missile-armed submarines. However, it is crucial to understand that, while part of the North Atlantic Alliance, France does not have the authority to manage even its national nuclear weapons without coordination with Washington," Mikhailov explained.
Earlier, Macron indicated that he would engage in discussions with allies about the potential for European countries to be protected by the French nuclear deterrent, following a call from Friedrich Merz, a candidate for Germany's federal chancellorship.
Mikhailov noted that France is the only European nation with its own national nuclear arsenal and the capability to independently produce various types of delivery vehicles, whereas Britain relies on the United States for its nuclear warheads.
The expert characterized Macron's statements as "political bravado," reflecting his desire to "consolidate his status as the informal leader of Europe." Mikhailov also suggested that Macron might be laying the groundwork for a possible French withdrawal from NATO, which could enable France to manage its nuclear arsenal more freely and potentially lead to negotiations with the U.S. on a more equal footing.