France contributes to Estonia’s security by deploying its troops on its territory. “Therefore, if there is an opportunity to deepen cooperation in the nuclear field, it will most likely happen exactly that way,” said K. Michalas.
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However, he noted that joining this initiative requires a certain level of country preparedness. French Ambassador to Estonia Alexandre Escorcia confirmed that the countries are discussing this and other defense cooperation issues.
Finland has already announced this
On September 14, Finland announced joining the French initiative. The Finnish Ministry of Defense clarified that cooperation will include consultations on nuclear doctrine, exercises, and the presence of France’s strategic military air forces in the country.
Earlier, similar decisions were made by Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
The frontline nuclear deterrence initiative was presented by French President Emmanuel Macron in March, during the war in Ukraine and discussions about US security guarantees. It provides for the temporary deployment of Rafale fighters capable of carrying nuclear weapons, the use of allied airspace and military bases, as well as in-flight refueling of aircraft.
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Controlled by the French President
Control of the French nuclear arsenal will remain exclusively in the hands of the French President, who will also make the decision on its use.
France is the only European Union country that has its own nuclear weapons. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), its arsenal consists of 280 combat-ready warheads, writes “The Moscow Times”.
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