Watch All Shows Victor Davis Hanson Tony Kinnett Daily Signal Signal Sitdown

Watch All Shows Victor Davis Hanson Tony Kinnett Daily Signal Signal Sitdown

Home – Europe News – Franco-German Cooperation on Nuclear Deterrence Is a Good Sign

Franco-German Cooperation on Nuclear Deterrence Is a Good Sign

Luke Ramcharita | Wilson Beaver

On July 17, the leaders of France and Germany announced that Germany would be participating in a French nuclear exercise later this year. The exercise, titled Poker, is a recurring part of France’s nuclear operations and is a full-scale rehearsal of France’s airborne nuclear capabilities.

The announcement at the Franco-German Defense and Security Council at Germany’s Nörvenich Air Base comes after recent discussions between France and Germany about the deployment of France’s nuclear arsenal outside of French territory. It highlights a doctrinal shift for both France and Germany on the use of nuclear weapons.

Currently, France is one of only three countries in NATO, along with the United States and the United Kingdom that has a nuclear arsenal. In recent years, France’s position as a nuclear power in Europe has become more important as threats to European security have grown. The rise of a more assertive Russia seems to be encouraging some in Europe—notably Germany—to rethink nuclear deterrence strategies.

Earlier this year, French President Emmanuel Macron gave a speech on France’s nuclear posture in which he unveiled a new nuclear strategy for France. In front of a Le Triomphant class S617 nuclear ballistic submarine, Macron spoke of the need for “France’s [nuclear] deterrent to........

© The Daily Signal