Finland Joins France's Nuclear Deterrence Initiative

Finland has agreed to join France's nuclear deterrence initiative, opening the possibility of temporarily deploying French strategic air forces in the country. The move comes after a nuclear weapons ban was lifted in a major policy shift. Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen said the decision was a "natural step" as close allies Norway, Sweden, and Denmark had already joined the initiative. The move aims to strengthen European defenses against an increasingly hostile Russia and follows reassessments of deterrence policies amid uncertainty over Russia's intentions and doubts about the long-term reliability of the US security guarantee.