Germany and France to deepen nuclear deterrence cooperation

Germany and France are negotiating a closer partnership on nuclear deterrence. In the autumn, German soldiers are expected to take part for the first time in a French nuclear exercise, while a strategic steering group led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz will examine how to strengthen joint deterrence capabilities.

The proposed cooperation would combine German non‑nuclear assets, such as submarines and intelligence, with French nuclear forces, potentially creating joint analysis centres and coordinated exercises. Officials say the move responds to heightened Russian nuclear posturing linked to the war in Ukraine and to calls from the United States for greater European military self‑reliance. NATO’s nuclear sharing arrangement, in which US weapons are stationed in Germany, will continue to underpin European deterrence.

Details of the partnership remain under discussion, but the initiative marks a shift from previous German governments that declined similar offers, signalling a new willingness to explore deeper Franco‑German defence integration.