Germany to Join French Nuclear Drills for First Time
Germany will send troops to French nuclear exercises for the first time this autumn as Berlin and Paris deepen defense ties and discuss the FCAS project.
Germany will send military personnel to French nuclear force exercises for the first time this autumn, NTV reported, citing a German government representative.
The two countries are expected to discuss closer defense cooperation at a meeting of the Franco-German Defense and Security Council. The talks will take place on Friday, July 17, at Nörvenich Air Base in Germany.
A day earlier, the base will host the first joint refueling exercise involving a French Rafale capable of carrying nuclear warheads and a German Eurofighter.
According to NTV, Berlin and Paris are accelerating plans for closer cooperation on nuclear deterrence. An agreement is expected to include the participation of German service members in French-organized nuclear exercises later this year.
The broadcaster linked the rapprochement to growing doubts among European governments about military support from US President Donald Trump.
Germany and France also intend to strengthen cooperation on conventional weapons. Sources close to the German government said the two sides would discuss the classified FCAS project to develop a next-generation European fighter jet.
Joint work on combat management systems and unmanned aircraft will continue.