Berlin and Paris Forge Unprecedented Defence Cooperation, Including Nuclear Deterrence
Brühl, Germany, July 17, 2026 – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday unveiled an agreement to significantly deepen their countries’ strategic cooperation on nuclear deterrence, aiming to bolster Europe’s defence capabilities. This announcement comes shortly after the collapse of their joint €100 billion fighter jet project, signaling a renewed effort to mend and strengthen their strategic relationship.
A New Era of Bilateral Defence
The agreement, signed in Brühl, outlines an “unprecedented bilateral cooperation” that will “contribute to strengthening deterrence in Europe.” Key areas of focus include “the integration of conventional capabilities, Deep Precision Strike and missile defence capabilities with nuclear deterrence.” The objective is to enhance the ability “to manage escalation below the nuclear threshold and to develop the necessary conventional capabilities,” as stated in the document.
German Participation in French Nuclear Exercises
A significant aspect of the new partnership is Germany’s confirmed participation in a French nuclear exercise scheduled for later this year. Chancellor Merz highlighted the historic nature of this move, stating, “This will be the first time we take part in such an exercise in a conventional capacity.” The goal, he added, is “to identify where we can achieve common objectives, namely improved deterrence in Europe.”
This participation will likely involve German officials observing a “Poker” exercise from a French tanker aircraft. The “Poker” drill is a quarterly exercise conducted by the French Air and Space Force to train its airborne nuclear deterrent, featuring Rafale fighters carrying simulated ASMPA nuclear cruise missiles. President Macron clarified that no financial contribution from Germany is foreseen for this specific participation.
Macron’s Broader Nuclear Deterrence Offer
The agreement follows President Macron’s invitation in March for European partners to participate in joint nuclear exercises and his offer to extend France’s nuclear deterrence over Europe. Paris and Berlin have now established a steering group to explore the practical implementation of France’s proposal. Chancellor Merz suggested that this initiative could eventually lead to a common doctrine.
Navigating Industrial Challenges and Future Collaborations
Despite the strategic breakthrough, both nations remain cautious about promoting new defence industry programs, particularly given the past issues with their joint fighter jet and tank projects. Instead, the focus has shifted to a strategic level. While the joint fighter jet and tank programs faced setbacks, they will continue to develop a common digital communication platform to ensure interoperability on the battlefield.
Future collaboration will also address French concerns regarding Germany’s increasing focus on space. Both leaders have agreed to hold a space summit in September to coordinate on satellite frequencies and the EU’s secure communications satellite constellation, IRIS2.
Broader European Context
France’s offer to extend its nuclear deterrence has garnered interest from nine other European countries, indicating a growing sentiment for enhanced European defence autonomy. However, the path to a unified approach remains complex, with varying perspectives among member states.
This new Franco-German defence pact underscores a critical moment for European security, as both nations seek to redefine their strategic relationship and contribute to a more robust continental defence framework in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
Source: https://www.euractiv.com/news/berlin-paris-agree-on-unprecedented-defence-cooperation/
