French President Emmanuel Macron (l.) and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (r.) meet at the summit of Ukraine supporters.Image: keystone
July 16, 2026, 2:37 p.mJuly 16, 2026, 2:37 p.m
Germany and France are taking the first practical steps towards cooperation on nuclear deterrence.
A French Rafale fighter jet, which can be equipped with nuclear weapons, and a Bundeswehr Eurofighter are to be refueled together today at the Nörvenich air base near Cologne, according to German government circles shortly before a meeting between Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron at Bensberg Castle near Cologne.
The action in Nörvenich begins the implementation of the nuclear partnership between Germany and France, which was agreed by Merz and Macron at the beginning of March. When the German-French Security and Defense Council meets at the air base on Friday, the issue will be further intensified. Among other things, it is to be decided that German soldiers will take part in a French nuclear maneuver for the first time in the fall, as it was said.
Macron had already offered European partners years ago to come under France’s nuclear protective umbrella. Along with Great Britain, it is the only Western European country to have nuclear weapons. US nuclear bombs are currently stationed in Germany as part of NATO’s nuclear deterrent, and the Bundeswehr is providing fighter jets for their use in an emergency. The cooperation with France is intended to complement and strengthen NATO deterrence. (nil/sda/dpa)