French Nuclear Weapons Program

This document provides an overview of France's nuclear weapons program and capabilities. The reorientation of French policy towards nuclear weapons development began in 1954, prompted by the discovery of significant uranium ore deposits. France has since established mining operations and achieved a stable production rate of 1,600 tons of uranium metal per year since 1962.

By 1956, France had initiated a nuclear weapons research and development program. The first French nuclear test took place near Reggan in the Sahara in 1960. France conducts its nuclear research primarily at four major research installations and specialized laboratories associated with the French Atomic Energy Commission.

France has constructed plutonium production facilities at Marcoule, with three production reactors providing a capacity of approximately 160 kilograms of weapon-grade plutonium per year. Additional capacity for weapon-grade plutonium production can be provided through the completion of the nuclear power program and chemical separations plant.

France is capable of producing tritium and other special materials required for its nuclear weapons program, and it has conducted at least nine nuclear fission tests since February 1960. Following the fourth test, France announced the cessation of atmospheric tests in the Sahara.

France is developing a test site in the Tuamotu Archipelago, although logistical challenges and political objections may lead to an earlier transfer of testing activities from the Sahara to the Pacific area.