France restores nuclear weapons production: 290 warheads are not enough - media
The material states that according to open sources, the country now has 290 nuclear warheads, which provides it with fourth place in the world ranking after Russia, the USA and China. It is planned that the production of new nuclear weapons will begin no earlier than next year, provided that the necessary approval from the nuclear regulatory body.
It is noted that the French media is writing about the joint efforts of the country's Defense Ministry and Electricite de France, which will increase the production of tritium - radioactive hydrogen isotope. It is this element that plays a key role in the creation of a thermonuclear bomb that works on the principle of thermonuclear fusion of Tritium and deuterium.
"Therefore, there is an urgent need to support sufficient supplies to ensure a long -term strategy for deterrent to France," the observers write. For the production of tritium the method of "lithium irradiation" is used. In the past, specialized reactors such as Célestin I and Célestin II have been used for this purpose - they were intended for lithium irradiation and tritium. But now it is planned to use reactors of civilian nuclear power plants for this purpose.
However, it is worth noting that France is not a large producer of the Lithium needed to create a tri pond. Most lithiums are produced in other countries, including Australia, Chile and the USA. The leaders' table also contains other large manufacturers, including China, Argentina, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Portugal and Canada. This means that France will have to look for ways to meet its needs for this material based on its potential partners.
As of January 2022, France boasts a significant military arsenal, consisting of 290 existing nuclear warheads, ready for deployment with the help of 98 strategic delivery systems. These forces include a complex of 48 ballistic submarine missiles, as well as 50 winged air base missiles intended for dual -purpose use on land and deck fighters. In addition, the French government has promised to gradually modernize its nuclear forces in the coming years.
"It is clear that the French government carefully conceals specific models and details of these weapons, in addition, many of these details are marked as" secret ". Historically, France has different types of nuclear bombs. These include air delivery options, such Like TN-61, An-11 and ASMP, as well as variants that are launched from submarines, such as M45 and M51, "-concluded observers. Recall that French President Emmanuel Macron responded to the Kremlin's threats to the use of nuclear weapons.