UK, France expand joint military force to 50,000 troops

Britain and France will increase a Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF) established more than a decade ago from 10,000 to 50,000 troops, the two countries' leaders announced.

"This force is being increased from a brigade size to an army corps size, up to 50,000 soldiers," French President Emmanuel Macron said, flanked by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as France's leader wrapped up a three-day state visit with a raft of agreements, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The two leaders were speaking from a British military base in Northwood, northwest London, used by NATO as a command center.

Starmer and Macron also signed the Northwood Declaration, a new agreement to coordinate their countries' use of nuclear weapons in response to extreme threats.

He stressed the importance of the deal. “Although I can understand why people are focusing on the small boats deal, it is important not to underestimate how important the nuclear deal is,” he said.

Macron described the agreement as a necessary response to “a markedly more threatening environment” and that it surpassed previous UK-France cooperation on nuclear issues.

“They say they cannot imagine any extreme threat to Europe that would not prompt a response from both powers. The two countries are independent and sovereign. But they will have the ability to work together,” he said.

By Sabina Mammadli