Global Security Newswire

French President Francois Hollande on Wednesday said anticipated reductions in armed forces spending would not lead the nation to curb its nuclear deterrent, the Associated Press reported.

"It's a deterrent force that allows us protection against all threats and allows us to play a strong role on the world stage," Hollande said in a New Year's message to French troops.

France is believed to hold about 300 nuclear warheads that can be deployed on aircraft and submarines. The nation spends roughly $4.6 billion each year on nuclear arms operations, according to experts. Hollande's administration has rejected recent reports that it would look at cuts to the deterrent as a means of saving defense money.