Which role for the Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique in the steering of the French defence nuclear policy? Research note nr 43

After having recalled the context of creation and the initial mission of the CEA, this note addresses its key-role in the elaboration of the French defence nuclear policy. It notably outlines that the military part of its mission have been carried out clandestinely from 1954, and that France did not sign the NPT until 1992. The author comments the relationships with the USA as well as domestic oppositions, either from other agencies or political parties. These oppositions almost disappeared, first after the explosion of the first bomb, and secondly after the H bomb acquisition in 1968. Then, the importance of the French deterrence gave a privileged role to the CEA in the steering of the French nuclear policy. In the next part, the author discusses the CEA's role in nuclear deterrence today and in front of to-morrow's challenges, notably after the giving up of nuclear tests and the development of the Simulation programme which amplified the power of the DAM (Direction of Military Operations). The CEA has created four research fields: defence and security, nuclear and renewable energies, technological research industry, and fundamental research. The old weight of secrecy is outlined.