Germany and France Conducted Their First Nuclear Deterrence Exercise
Germany and France have put into practice for the first time an agreement to deepen cooperation in the field of nuclear deterrence. The two countries’ militaries conducted a joint air exercise, during which they practiced coordination between French and German aircraft. The exercises marked the first practical step following the agreement between Berlin and Paris on closer cooperation in the areas of defense and nuclear capabilities.
During the joint exercises, French and German military personnel practiced coordination between their air forces. Two French Rafale fighter jets, which are capable of carrying nuclear weapons, as well as two German Eurofighter jets, took part in the exercise.
The aircraft practiced in-flight refueling from a French tanker aircraft. This procedure is a vital part of military aviation operations, as it allows aircraft to carry out missions at significant distances from their bases. This marked a significant milestone in German-French cooperation, as the two countries had not previously conducted such practical exercises within the framework of their nuclear deterrence agreements. “Germany and France have put their March agreement on cooperation in the field of nuclear deterrence into practice for the first time by conducting joint air force exercises,” reports Die Zeit.
Another joint exercise is scheduled for Friday, July 17, at the Nerfenich Air Base near Cologne. This time, the military personnel will practice maintaining each other’s aircraft. This practice allows the armed forces to better understand their partners’ capabilities and coordinate actions more quickly in the event of a crisis.
In addition, during a meeting of the joint German-French Council of Ministers, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, further steps in defense cooperation are set to be discussed. In particular, this involves the possible first participation of German military personnel in French nuclear deterrence exercises this fall.
France remains the only European Union country with its own nuclear arsenal following the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU. It is France’s nuclear capability that has traditionally played a key role in the country’s deterrence system. For Germany, the issue of nuclear security has become even more pressing following the outbreak of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine and the changing security situation in Europe.
The joint exercises demonstrate that Berlin and Paris are seeking to deepen defense cooperation and strengthen European security capabilities. At the same time, the issue of participation in nuclear deterrence remains a sensitive one in Germany, as the country has historically not possessed its own nuclear weapons and relies on NATO guarantees.
Cooperation between Germany and France in the military sphere has been gradually intensifying in recent years. The countries are working together to develop defense projects and military equipment, as well as to coordinate their armed forces.
Deepening cooperation in the field of nuclear deterrence has become one of the most notable areas of this partnership. Officials in Berlin and Paris emphasize that such cooperation is intended to strengthen European security and demonstrate the allies’ readiness to respond to new challenges, according to Die Zeit.
Germany will not participate in the first command-post exercises of the “Coalition of the Resolute,” which are planned to be held in Poland in preparation for a future mission to support Ukraine.
