Germany Joins French Nuclear Exercise for First Time in Historic Defense Pact
On July 17, 2026, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the Bundeswehr will participate in a French nuclear exercise for the first time, marking a major step toward European deterrence. The agreement, reached at the German-French Council of Ministers in Brühl and Nörvenich Air Base, includes joint air refueling, continued FCAS fighter jet components, and deeper cooperation on long-range weapons, space reconnaissance, and Ukraine support. France retains sole nuclear decision-making, and the move complements NATO deterrence.
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Backed by France, Macron sees Germany as nuclear-deterrence ‘vanguard’ in Europe
France and Germany have moved from words to action in nuclear cooperation, with a French nuclear-capable Rafale jet temporarily hosted at Nörvenich air base near Cologne. This follows the formation of a 'nuclear steering group' in March as part of France's new 'forward deterrence' doctrine, which extends its nuclear umbrella to European allies. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed Germany will participate in the French 'Poker' nuclear exercise in September with conventional forces. Macron stated Germany will play a 'vanguard role' in European deterrence. The initiative, which includes nine countries from Norway to Greece, supplements NATO's existing U.S.-led nuclear sharing arrangement. France retains sole sovereignty over nuclear weapons and decision-making, while allies contribute conventional support and host French aircraft. The cooperation comes despite strains from the collapse of the joint FCAS project.
France and Germany Advance Nuclear Cooperation with Joint Exercises and Hosted Rafale Jets
Nuclear cooperation between France and Germany has moved from words to action, with French nuclear-capable Rafale jets temporarily hosted at Germany's Nörvenich air base and joint exercises scheduled for September. The leaders of both countries, Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz, announced the deepening of strategic atomic ties during a meeting of the Franco-German Defence and Security Council on July 17, 2026. This follows the formation of a 'nuclear steering group' in March as part of France's new 'forward deterrence' doctrine, which extends its nuclear umbrella to European allies. Germany is among nine countries that have joined the initiative. Merz emphasized that this cooperation supplements, rather than competes with, NATO's existing U.S.-led nuclear sharing arrangements. Macron described Germany as playing a 'vanguard role' in European deterrence. The collaboration includes joint exercises, shared operational practices, and potential basing of French nuclear-capable aircraft in other European countries, while France retains sole sovereignty over nuclear weapons and decision-making.
France and Germany Deepen Nuclear Cooperation with Joint Exercises and Air Base Hosting
France and Germany have moved from words to action in nuclear deterrence cooperation. A French nuclear-capable Rafale jet was temporarily hosted at Germany's Nörvenich air base near Cologne, marking the first such deployment. The leaders announced that Germany will participate in France's upcoming 'Poker' nuclear exercise in September with conventional forces. This follows the formation of a 'nuclear steering group' in March as part of France's new 'forward deterrence' doctrine, which extends its nuclear umbrella to European allies. Nine countries from Norway to Greece have joined the initiative. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the cooperation complements, not competes with, NATO's U.S.-led nuclear sharing arrangements. France remains the only EU country with its own nuclear arsenal post-Brexit. The cooperation comes despite recent strains in Franco-German defense relations following the collapse of the joint FCAS project.
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Germany and France Agree on Joint Nuclear Exercises and Tougher China Stance
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron met at the joint Security and Defense Council, agreeing on a historic step towards joint nuclear deterrence. For the first time, the Bundeswehr will participate in a French nuclear exercise, with French Rafale fighter jets deploying to Nörvenich as an initial operational step. Macron explicitly ruled out German co-financing of the French nuclear program, emphasizing the cooperation supplements rather than replaces NATO deterrence. The leaders also agreed on a tougher joint stance towards China, though Merz stated he does not want a new trade conflict. Additionally, they will continue central components of the failed FCAS fighter jet project, particularly the cloud solution for digital communication between aircraft and drones. Germany confirmed participation in a French-led exercise of the coalition of the willing to support Ukraine in the fall. A new strategic steering group will explore further options for joint deterrence.
Germany and France Agree on Joint Nuclear Exercises and Closer Defense Cooperation
At a meeting of the German-French Security and Defense Council on July 17, 2026, Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Emmanuel Macron agreed on historic nuclear cooperation. For the first time, German forces will participate in a French nuclear exercise later this year, complementing NATO deterrence. Macron ruled out German co-financing of France's nuclear program. The leaders also agreed to continue key components of the failed FCAS fighter jet project, including its cloud solution, under a new framework aimed at creating a 'future system network' for European air systems. Additionally, Germany will join a French-led exercise of the 'coalition of the willing' to support Ukraine in the fall. Both leaders signaled a tougher joint stance toward China, though Merz expressed reluctance to start a new trade conflict.
German-French Defense and Security Council Strengthens Strategic Nuclear and Armaments Cooperation
The German-French Defense and Security Council (DFVSR) convened at Nörvenich Air Base, with leaders including French President Macron, German Chancellor Merz, and defense ministers. They agreed on closer strategic nuclear cooperation, marked by the first-ever mid-air refueling of nuclear-capable French Rafale jets alongside German Eurofighters. This cooperation remains within NATO's nuclear sharing framework and the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The council also advanced joint armament projects, including the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), next-generation fighter jets with a 'system of systems' network, and an AI-supported European data analysis platform. Discussions included developing 'Deep Precision Strike' capabilities with the UK and closer space cooperation. Additionally, Germany and France will participate in a multinational maneuver exercise in Eastern Europe, agreed by the Coalition of the Willing, to demonstrate readiness for potential security guarantees for Ukraine.
Germany and France Deepen Defense Cooperation on Nuclear Deterrence and Joint Armament Projects
The German-French Defense and Security Council (DFVSR) convened at Nörvenich Air Base, with leaders including French President Macron and German Chancellor Merz. They agreed to strengthen strategic nuclear cooperation, highlighted by the first-ever mid-air refueling of nuclear-capable French Rafale jets alongside German Eurofighters. This cooperation remains within NATO's nuclear sharing framework and the Non-Proliferation Treaty. On armaments, the council advanced joint projects including the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), next-generation fighter jets with a 'system of systems' network, an AI-supported European data analysis platform, and long-range precision strike capabilities. Both nations also committed to participating in a multinational maneuver exercise in Eastern Europe, organized by the Coalition of the Willing, to demonstrate readiness for potential security guarantees for Ukraine.
Germany and France Deepen Strategic Nuclear and Defense Cooperation at Joint Council Meeting
The German-French Defense and Security Council (DFVSR) convened at Nörvenich Air Base, with leaders including French President Macron and German Chancellor Merz. They agreed to strengthen strategic nuclear cooperation, marked by the first-ever mid-air refueling of nuclear-capable French Rafale jets alongside German Eurofighters. This cooperation remains within NATO's nuclear deterrence framework and the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The council also advanced joint armament projects, including the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), next-generation fighter jets via a 'system of systems' network, an AI-supported European data analysis platform, and 'Deep Precision Strike' long-range weapons. Germany and France will also cooperate on space-based reconnaissance and missile early warning systems. Additionally, both nations will participate in a multinational maneuver exercise in Eastern Europe, organized by the Coalition of the Willing for Ukraine, to demonstrate operational readiness for potential security guarantees.
Berlin and Paris Agree on Unprecedented Defense Cooperation on Nuclear Deterrence
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron signed an agreement on Friday in Brühl, Germany, to deepen strategic cooperation on nuclear deterrence, aiming to strengthen Europe's defense posture. The partnership focuses on integrating conventional capabilities, deep precision strike, and missile defense with nuclear deterrence to manage escalation below the nuclear threshold. Germany will participate in a French nuclear exercise (Poker exercise) for the first time in a conventional capacity, with German officials observing from a French tanker aircraft. No financial contribution from Germany is foreseen. The agreement comes after the collapse of their joint €100 billion fighter jet project. A steering group has been formed to explore a common doctrine, and a space summit is scheduled for September to address satellite coordination and the EU's IRIS2 constellation.
Germany and France Agree on Unprecedented Defense Cooperation on Nuclear Deterrence
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron signed an agreement on Friday in Brühl, Germany, to deepen strategic cooperation on nuclear deterrence, aiming to strengthen Europe's defense posture. The partnership focuses on integrating conventional capabilities, deep precision strike, and missile defense with nuclear deterrence to manage escalation below the nuclear threshold. Germany will participate in a French nuclear exercise (Poker) for the first time in a conventional capacity, with German officials observing from a French tanker aircraft. No financial contribution from Germany is foreseen. The agreement follows the collapse of their joint €100 billion fighter jet project. A steering group will examine how France's offer to extend its nuclear deterrence over Europe could work in practice, potentially leading to a common doctrine. Both countries also agreed to coordinate on satellite frequencies and the EU's IRIS2 secure communications constellation, with a space summit planned for September.
Germany to Join French Nuclear Exercise for First Time, Macron and Merz Announce
On July 17, 2026, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron announced that German forces will participate in a French nuclear exercise for the first time, marking a symbolic step towards 'European deterrence'. The announcement came after the last Franco-German Council of Ministers under Macron, held at Augustusburg Castle in Brühl, Germany—a site symbolic of post-war reconciliation. The exercise involves 'advanced' nuclear deterrence and deployment of a French Rafale alongside German forces. Macron emphasized creating 'strategic intimacy' between the two countries to deter adversaries, while Merz noted that France remains the sole decision-maker on nuclear engagement. The move follows the failure of the Future Combat Air System (SCAF) project, prompting a shift towards more focused defense projects. Both leaders stressed that this cooperation complements, not replaces, NATO nuclear deterrence.
Germany to Join French Nuclear Exercise for First Time, Marking Step Toward European Deterrence
On July 17, 2026, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron announced that German forces will participate in a French nuclear exercise for the first time, including the deployment of a Rafale from French strategic air forces alongside the German army. The announcement came after the last Franco-German Council of Ministers under Macron, held at Augustusburg Castle in Brühl, a site symbolic of post-war reconciliation. Macron framed the move as building 'strategic intimacy' between the two countries to create uncertainty for adversaries, while Merz noted it could eventually lead to a new doctrine. The cooperation is described as complementing, not replacing, NATO nuclear deterrence. The decision follows the failure of the Future Combat Air System (SCAF) project, prompting a reorientation toward more tightly focused defense projects. Macron, facing a presidential election where Marine Le Pen is favored, is pushing to advance European defense before leaving office.
Germany to Join French Nuclear Exercise for First Time, Marking Step Toward European Deterrence
On July 17, 2026, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron announced that German forces will participate in a French nuclear exercise for the first time in history, during a Franco-German Council of Ministers meeting in Brühl, Germany. The joint declaration includes involvement in advanced nuclear deterrence and deployment of a French Rafale alongside the German army. Macron described this as creating 'strategic intimacy' between the two countries, aiming to 'create uncertainty for our adversaries.' The move comes less than a year before Macron's departure from office and follows the failure of the Future Combat Air System (SCAF) project. Both leaders emphasized that this cooperation complements, not replaces, NATO nuclear deterrence. Merz noted that an earlier offer by General de Gaulle for German participation in French nuclear deterrence was refused, but now 'we will go step by step.' France remains the sole decision-maker on nuclear engagement.
Bundeswehr to Join French Nuclear Exercise for First Time
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) will participate in a French army nuclear exercise for the first time this year. The announcement was made following the German-French Council of Ministers meeting. This marks a significant step in European defense cooperation, as Germany joins France in nuclear deterrence exercises. The press conference featuring Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron was broadcast by WELT. The development underscores deepening military integration between the two European powers amid evolving security challenges.
Bundeswehr to Participate in French Nuclear Exercise for First Time
Germany and France are deepening defense cooperation, with the Bundeswehr set to participate in a French nuclear exercise for the first time in 2026. German soldiers will take part in the conventional domain, while French Rafale fighter jets will deploy to Nörvenich air base as a first operational step. Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized this complements Germany's existing nuclear role within NATO. French President Emmanuel Macron has offered European partners protection under France's nuclear umbrella, with seven countries—Poland, Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway—responding positively, alongside existing cooperation with the UK. A small joint exercise involving German and French fighter jets and a French tanker aircraft was conducted on Thursday. Additionally, Germany and France agreed to continue a key component of the failed FCAS fighter jet project, focusing on a common European combat standard and future system networking for manned and unmanned aircraft.
Germany and France seek new defense dynamic after fighter jet project failure
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will hold a joint government meeting on Friday near Cologne, aiming to revitalize defense cooperation after the collapse of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter jet project. The meeting includes a Franco-German Defence and Security Council session at an airbase, symbolizing European rearmament against Russia and reduced US commitment. Key topics include advancing nuclear deterrence cooperation led by France, resolving tensions over air defense (Germany's US/Israeli-dependent ESSI vs. France's preference for European industry), and launching a steering group on radar, deep-strike capabilities, and missile defense. The leaders also discussed European competitiveness, digital regulation, and disinformation. The meeting is held at Augustusburg Castle, a historic site of the 1962 Franco-German friendship treaty, underscoring the urgency of progress before Macron leaves office.
Franco-German defense cooperation under strain as Macron, Merz meet
France and Germany are holding a joint ministerial retreat to discuss defense cooperation amid significant strain, weeks after industrial rivalries forced the cancellation of the landmark Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter jet program. The meetings, part of the Franco-German Defence and Security Council (CFADS), will cover nuclear deterrence, missile defense, long-range strike capabilities, and space cooperation. A French official acknowledged misalignment but emphasized broader cooperation beyond FCAS. Germany is expected to agree to participate in French nuclear exercises. Underlying tensions include differing views on European dependence on US weapons technology, with France advocating for greater sovereignty. The talks also aim to address delays in the next-generation tank project and the Eurodrone program, highlighting Europe's challenges in scaling up defense ambitions.