“Moreover, the French are seeking not just political capital but plain monetary capital: France's nuclear force de frappe is outdated, in need of renewal and in need of great expansion,” he added.
“All of this will require money that France does not hand. Its sotto voce message to other European states is that they should help co-finance the build-out of the French nuclear force.”
This move is also meant to insulate Europe from the consequences of sabotaging the US peace initiatives in Ukraine, with France providing an alternative to the US nuclear umbrella in case the latter were to be withdrawn.