Germany and France are taking the first practical steps toward cooperation on nuclear deterrence, with French Rafale and German Eurofighter jets set to conduct joint refueling operations at the Nörvenich air base near Cologne, marking a new chapter in European defense ties. German soldiers are also expected to participate in a French nuclear exercise for the first time this autumn.
The nuclear partnership was agreed upon in early March by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Emmanuel Macron, who traveled to North Rhine-Westphalia on Wednesday to prepare for the Franco-German ministerial council. The two leaders are meeting at Nörvenich on Friday for a session of the bilateral security and defense council, with discussions also covering the protection of minors online and countering foreign interference.
The deepening of nuclear ties comes as the two nations formally declared the FCAS future combat aircraft program dead. Merz urged Macron not to pursue the joint fighter jet further, while Macron expressed regret over the project's failure in an address to French troops.