PARIS, March 2 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday that he has ordered to increase the number of France's nuclear warheads to strengthen the country's arsenal.
Speaking from Long Island in western France, a key base for France's nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, Macron said, "I have asked to increase the number of nuclear warheads," while declining to provide specific figures.
"We will no longer disclose the numbers of our nuclear arsenal," Macron added, stressing that a reinforcement of the nuclear arsenal is essential.
He also announced that France's armed forces will be equipped with a new-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, which is expected to begin sailing in 2036.
The president said he is ready to incorporate "a European dimension" into the French concept of "advanced nuclear deterrence."
European countries, including Britain, have expressed interest in the concept, he added, noting that Paris, London and Berlin will work together on projects involving very long-range missiles, as part of efforts to bolster European defense capabilities. ■