Germany set to join French nuclear deterrence exercises for first time

Germany is expected to participate for the first time in French strategic nuclear deterrence exercises scheduled for September.

The publication reported that the Franco-German High-Level Nuclear Steering Group, established in March, is planning joint exercises aimed at preparing for potential crisis scenarios, according to German magazine Der Spiegel.

As part of the drills, representatives of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) will be able to take part in the conventional component of France’s nuclear force exercises and gain access to French nuclear facilities. Germany’s role could include providing air support to French forces and granting access to German airspace.

Der Spiegel also reported that earlier this week, Günter Sautter, security adviser to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, traveled to Paris for the first round of talks on closer cooperation in the field of nuclear deterrence.

Representatives from several other European countries also took part in the consultations. The next round of discussions is expected to be held in Germany in June.

By Jeyhun Aghazada