France and Germany will discuss deepening cooperation on nuclear deterrence, missile defence, long-range strike capabilities and space at a joint ministerial retreat, the Elysee said, seeking to show that the EU’s two largest defence powers can still work together despite differences over major armament programmes.
Defence Sovereignty
Underlying the Franco-German defence relationship are differences over how dependent Europe should be on U.S. weapons technology at a time the continent is questioning President Donald Trump’s reliability as a security partner.
The Elysee said the talks would also centre on conventional military capabilities, citing early warning systems, long-range strike capabilities and air and missile defence. France has long advocated greater reliance on European technologies for missile defence.
A French official acknowledged that the discussions were “not a path where everything is necessarily aligned,” but said Franco-German defence industry cooperation was bigger than the failed FCAS project.
A German official said agreement was expected on how elements of the FCAS project would continue to be developed. Both countries have pledged to focus on data links between warplanes and related software known as a “combat cloud”.
The two sides will also discuss Macron’s proposal for “forward (nuclear) deterrence,” unveiled in March, under which European allies could participate in French nuclear deterrence exercises and temporarily host French nuclear assets on their territory.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
