Q1. With reference to nuclear deterrence and European security, consider the following statements:
- France and the United Kingdom possess independent nuclear arsenals, and both are members of NATO.
- France is the only European Union member state possessing nuclear weapons following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU.
- NATO’s Article 5 provides that an armed attack against one member shall be considered an attack against all members, while allowing each member to decide what action it deems necessary.
- A simulated nuclear strike exercise necessarily involves the deployment of operational nuclear warheads.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: France and the U.K. maintain independent nuclear deterrents and are NATO members.
- Statement 2 is correct: Following Brexit, France is the EU's only nuclear-armed member state.
- Statement 3 is correct: NATO Article 5 establishes collective defence, but each ally takes such action as it considers necessary, which may include the use of armed force.
- Statement 4 is incorrect: A simulation can rehearse operational procedures and coordination without using actual nuclear weapons, as in the exercise described.
