Merz: Germany to Send Conventional Troops to Participate in French Nuclear Exercises for the First Time
On July 17, Xinhua News Agency reported from Berlin (reporters Zhang Yirong and Li Chao) that German Chancellor Merz stated in North Rhine-Westphalia that Germany will send conventional troops to participate in French armed forces nuclear exercises for the first time this year.
The German-French Ministerial Council and the German-French Defense and Security Council meetings were held from the 16th to the 17th in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. After the meeting, Merz and French President Macron jointly met with reporters, stating that the two countries will further strengthen defense cooperation.
Merz indicated that Germany and France are opening a new joint path in the field of nuclear deterrence. In addition, at the initiative of the French side, the European "Volunteer Alliance" to aid Ukraine will hold military exercises this fall, in which Germany will participate, and both sides will jointly determine the specific participation methods.
Regarding defense industrial cooperation, Merz stated that the fighter jet project under the "Future Combat Air System" framework, which Germany and France previously promoted together, has failed due to industrial differences, but both sides will continue to advance the research and development of key technologies such as "Combat Cloud" under this framework, and strengthen cooperation in areas such as integrated air defense systems and long-range weapons.
Macron emphasized the importance of the consensus reached between France and Germany, while stating that France's nuclear deterrent forces will continue to be fully funded by the French side.
Germany will send conventional troops to participate in French nuclear exercises for the first time, as announced by Chancellor Merz on July 17, 2023. This decision follows a meeting of the Franco-German Defense and Security Council in North Rhine-Westphalia. Both nations aim to strengthen defense cooperation, particularly in nuclear deterrence and military exercises involving Ukraine planned for the fall.
- Germany will send conventional troops to French nuclear exercises for the first time.
- The meeting of the Franco-German Defense and Security Council took place on July 16-17.
- Germany and France are enhancing defense cooperation in nuclear deterrence.
- Military exercises involving Ukraine will occur in the fall, with German participation.
- The Franco-German fighter jet project faced industrial disagreements but will continue in other areas.