France invites Finland to join its nuclear deterrence framework

Finland has received an invitation to participate in France’s nuclear deterrence strategy, prime minister Petteri Orpo announced Wednesday, according to a report by Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

Defence minister Antti Häkkänen confirmed discussions took place this week with the commander of France’s armed forces regarding the proposal. Finland will now gather further information and continue dialogue with France to clarify which other nations may take part and the extent of France’s commitments. Decisions are expected after the summer or in early autumn, likely in consultation with parliament.

Häkkänen described nuclear deterrence as a “critical component of Europe’s defence capability,” acting as a significant deterrent against potential Russian aggression. While NATO and the US currently provide Europe’s primary nuclear shield, France aims to enhance regional security through its own initiative. The country announced plans in March to increase its stockpile of nuclear warheads—currently at 290—over the coming years.

Former defence minister Antti Kaikkonen noted France’s unique position as one of the world’s few nuclear-armed states, traditionally maintaining strict control over its arsenal. Though France has not integrated its weapons into NATO’s nuclear deterrence, recent months have seen repeated signals of its willingness to expand cooperation with interested nations.

Both officials declined to specify potential forms of collaboration, citing the classified nature of nuclear deterrence planning. Kaikkonen suggested joint exercises as a possible avenue but ruled out the deployment of French nuclear weapons on Finnish soil, aligning with Finland’s policy of prohibiting peacetime nuclear arms on its territory.