Germany to Join French Nuclear Exercises, Deepening Strategic Ties

Germany is set to deepen its strategic defense ties with France, the only European Union member state possessing nuclear weapons. This collaboration will see Germany participate in French nuclear deterrence exercises later this year, a move that signifies a new phase in their bilateral defense strategy.

The announcement follows a joint aerial exercise conducted on July 16, where two French Rafale B fighter jets flew alongside two German Eurofighter Typhoons. Supported by a French A330 Phénix multirole tanker transport aircraft, the operation was described by French officials as the "first operational step" under the strategic cooperation agreement reached by French President Macron and German Chancellor Scholz in March. The exercise aimed to bolster the combined operational capabilities of the French and German air forces, though French officials emphasized that it did not involve nuclear weapons.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed the upcoming participation in nuclear exercises, stating that both nations are strengthening European deterrence. While Germany does not possess its own nuclear arsenal, its involvement in these French drills is a concrete step toward a more integrated European defense posture. This cooperation is intended to supplement, not replace, existing NATO nuclear deterrence and nuclear sharing arrangements.

France regularly conducts nuclear deterrence exercises codenamed "Poker" to test its strategic air command's capabilities. Germany's participation, despite not being a nuclear power, marks a significant concretization of their cooperation in the sensitive field of nuclear deterrence. However, French officials stressed that this partnership does not grant Germany any control over French nuclear weapons, with the ultimate decision-making authority remaining with the French President.

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Germany will participate in a nuclear exercise of the French armed forces this year.