GERMANY JOINS FRANCE’S NUCLEAR EXERCISES AND EUROPE IS DONE TRUSTING AMERICA
Germany and France are now working together on nuclear defence. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said German forces will join a French nuclear exercise later this year. It is the first time Germany has done this.
The two countries have set up a team to plan long-term cooperation. They will focus on combining conventional weapons, long-range strikes, and missile defence with nuclear deterrence.
Germany will take part in the French “Poker” exercise. It is a quarterly drill where French Rafale fighter jets practice carrying nuclear cruise missiles.
German officials may fly on French tanker aircraft to watch the exercise. Germany will not pay France for its nuclear programme.
France is the only nuclear power in the EU. Along with the UK, it is one of two Western European countries with nuclear weapons. Nine other countries have shown interest in France’s plan, including Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.
Earlier German leaders said no to nuclear cooperation with France. Merz said the world today needs new answers. The move comes as Europe worries about whether America can still be trusted under Trump.
France has always pushed for Europe to rely on its own technology. Germany is also building up its military to become Europe’s strongest by 2039.
The announcement comes after France and Germany failed to build a joint fighter jet together. The project collapsed due to disagreements between the companies involved.
Macron made it clear that France will keep full control over its nuclear weapons. Only the French president can decide to use them. France will always pay for its own nuclear programme.
The big question is whether Europe can finally stand alone or will always need America.
