Poland is exploring the possibility of stationing both American and French nuclear weapons on its territory as part of efforts to strengthen its nuclear deterrence capabilities, Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz has said.

According to the minister, Warsaw intends to pursue two initiatives: participation in NATO’s Nuclear Sharing arrangements and the development of nuclear protection under the umbrella proposed by France.

Kosiniak-Kamysz explained that these objectives would require a series of decisions rather than a single agreement. Poland plans to proceed gradually toward participation in NATO’s nuclear sharing program while exploring the security guarantees offered by Paris.

The defense minister also confirmed that Warsaw is seeking to establish a permanent US military base on Polish territory.

A decision on the proposed American base is expected in December, following the completion of a review of US troop deployments across the European Union.

Meanwhile, France has conducted a test launch of its upgraded M51.3 strategic ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine.

The missile was launched without a nuclear warhead as part of the French military’s testing program.