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German military to join French nuclear exercise for first time
politico.eu • • world
Key Points:
- German military personnel are set to participate in France’s flagship nuclear drill Poker for the first time this fall, marking a significant step in Franco-German nuclear deterrence cooperation.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Emmanuel Macron are expected to finalize agreements on this cooperation during the Franco-German Defense and Security Council meeting at Germany’s Nörvenich Air Base.
- Macron previously announced that several European countries, including Germany, would enhance nuclear deterrence collaboration, potentially involving participation in exercises like Poker and deployment of nuclear-capable French Rafale jets.
- The move reflects growing European concerns about relying on the U.S. for security amid increasing pressure from China and shifts in transatlantic relations.
- Officials from both France and Germany indicate that significant progress on forward nuclear deterrence will be publicly evident following the upcoming meeting.
