France and Germany to Discuss Nuclear Deterrence and Missile Defense Cooperation

France and Germany will discuss deepening cooperation on nuclear deterrence, missile defense, long-range strike capabilities and space during a joint ministerial retreat, Defense News reported. The meetings come weeks after industrial rivalries forced the two countries to scrap the Future Combat Air System fighter jet program.

Two joint declarations are expected after the Franco-German Defence and Security Council and a broader ministerial meeting near Cologne on Thursday and Friday.

A French official stated that the discussions were “not a path where everything is necessarily aligned,” while adding that Franco-German defense industry cooperation was bigger than the failed FCAS project. A German official said agreement was expected on how elements of the FCAS project would continue to be developed.

” The two sides will also discuss President Macron’s proposal for “forward (nuclear) deterrence,” unveiled in March.

Berlin now expects to agree that German troops will take part in a French nuclear exercise in the autumn, the German official said. The Elysee said the talks would centre on conventional military capabilities, including early warning systems, long-range strike capabilities and air and missile defense.

” France and Germany would reaffirm support for IRIS², the European Union’s planned secure satellite communications constellation.

Berlin is simultaneously pursuing its own military satellite constellation project. Paris sees the IRIS² program as a cornerstone of Europe’s efforts to secure sovereign communications infrastructure and reduce dependence on foreign providers.