Norway Joins France-Led Nuclear Deterrence Program

Norway on Wednesday became the ninth country to join a France-led nuclear deterrence program after leaders of both nations signed a defense pact in Paris. The pact expands cooperation on conventional defense, hybrid warfare, maritime security, space, cybersecurity, support to Ukraine, and defense industry ties.

Store said the two countries had entered a "comprehensive defence agreement" that will allow "swift and coordinated response" when needed. French President Emmanuel Macron described Norway as a "key geographical and strategic partner" whose participation adds value to the scheme.

The program, unveiled by Macron in March, permits participating countries to host French strategic air forces on a temporary basis.

Eight countries had already joined before Norway:

Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. France remains the European Union's only nuclear-armed state. " — Jonas Gahr Store, May 27, 2026 (Le Monde) Store also noted recent defense agreements Norway signed with Germany and the United Kingdom.

Macron said the arrangement will "complicate the calculations of our adversaries" by spreading French air assets across the continent.