Germany to Join French Nuclear Exercise Using Conventional Weapons

Germany will participate in France’s nuclear deterrence drill, code‑named “Poker”, and will do so with conventional weapons rather than nuclear ones. The involvement marks the first time Germany joins the French nuclear exercise.

The announcement was made at a Franco‑German Defense and Security Council meeting held at Germany’s Nörvenich Air Base. French President Emmanuel Macron has framed the drill as part of a broader “forward deterrence” strategy aimed at bolstering European strategic autonomy, while Russian officials have voiced concern over the expanding nuclear cooperation among NATO members.