Germany and France launch nuclear cooperation
The two countries’ joint nuclear deterrence activities are beginning to take shape. The aim of today’s intergovernmental meeting in the Rhineland region is to bring new momentum to Franco-German relations.
Nörvenich/Brühl (dpa/d.de) – Germany and France have carried out their first joint air force exercise since agreeing their cooperation in the area of nuclear deterrence in March. Two French Rafale fighter jets that can be equipped with nuclear weapons and two Bundeswehr Eurofighters were used in the training session that was dedicated to practising air-to-air refuelling using a French tanker aircraft. The exercise took place just before French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Germany. Another exercise is to take place at the Nörvenich air base near Cologne, on the sidelines of the Franco-German Defence and Security Council meeting. Planning also provides for German soldiers to take part in a French nuclear drill for the first time in autumn.
In addition to joint nuclear deterrence activities, the agenda for the government talks includes discussions about closer cooperation in the areas of artificial intelligence, satellites and trade policy. Germany and France would like to bring some new momentum to their relations that had been rather challenging in recent times.
Upon arrival in Germany on Thursday night, Macron said that the two countries’ cooperation had to be developed further and that Europe’s strategic awakening had to be accelerated. He met with Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz at Bensberg Castle to prepare the intergovernmental meeting.
