Pure fantasy though im afraid.

Yes a bigger nuke detterent

but examine the facts on france.

Forces still imobile generally. Based on cold war doctrine.
Much less ability to project.The uk managed to move an armoured division and 2 elite units to the gulf, something beyond french abilities.

And social laws in france mean that a huge proportion of frances budget is spent on wages. That means less training,

Recent military history shows up the differences in ability between french and british infantry. Many consider british infantry the best trained in the world. Even jaques chirac in 1982 described the british army as "possibly the best trained in the world".

So it may be patrioitic or fashionable to suggest france but it just doesnt stand upto facts

Ellie