French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday that France will increase its nuclear warhead count for the first time since at least 1992, stating his responsibility to ensure the nation's deterrence maintains its destructive power. Speaking at L’Ile Longue, a base for France's ballistic missile submarines, Macron emphasized the role of French nuclear weapons in European security amidst growing doubts about U.S. commitments to defend the continent. France, the sole EU nuclear power, is exploring ways to potentially protect European allies with its arsenal, with discussions underway with countries like Germany and a joint declaration with the UK to coordinate their independent nuclear forces. Macron reiterated that any decision to use France's nuclear weapons would remain solely with the French president.