France Nuclear Watch: Secretly Upgrades Capacity of Nuclear Arsenal

French President Jacques Chirac comes aboard “The Vigilant” nuclear submarine, at l’Ile Longue military base, in the northwestern region of Brittany. Chirac for the first time warned Today that France could use nuclear weapons against states that launch or plan “terrorist” attacks against it involving weapons of mass destruction.

Guardian Unlimited: France secretly upgrades capacity of nuclear arsenal

France has secretly modified its nuclear arsenal to increase the strike range and accuracy of its weapons. The move comes weeks after President Jacques Chirac warned that states which threatened the country could face the “ultimate warning” of a nuclear retaliation.

A military source quoted yesterday by the Libération newspaper claimed France had tinkered with its nuclear weapons to improve their strike capability and make this threat more credible.

The source said there had been two major changes: the bombs can now be fired at high altitude to create an “electromagnetic impulsion” to destroy the enemy’s computer and communications systems; and the number of nuclear warheads has been reduced to increase the missiles’ range and precision.

Flexibility of France’s nuclear capability gives it a more credible nuclear deterrence.

Is this a warning to Iran and Syria?

You betcha…….

French President Jacques Chirac (R) and captain Goalou (L) visit “The Vigilant” nuclear submarine at l’Ile Longue military base, in northwestern region of Brittany. Chirac for the first time warned today that France could use nuclear weapons against states that launch or plan “terrorist” attacks against it involving weapons of mass destruction.

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