Germany to Join French Nuclear Exercise

German conventional forces will participate in a French nuclear exercise later this year, officials said Friday after a joint defense meeting near Cologne. The exercise forms part of ongoing cooperation between the two countries on nuclear deterrence. A strategic steering group will continue examining deterrence options, with Russia cited as a focus area.

France maintains its own nuclear arsenal but does not participate in NATO's nuclear planning group. German troops would play a conventional supporting role and would not control French weapons, according to statements released after the meeting. Berlin will also contribute to the development of radar and space-based systems for detecting ballistic and hypersonic missiles.

"We will clarify together what form exactly this participation will take," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said. Officials described the move as complementary to existing NATO commitments.