Germany is set to participate in France’s flagship nuclear exercise, Poker, for the first time this autumn, marking a significant development in Franco-German defence cooperation.
The move is expected to be confirmed during a meeting between German chancellor Friedrich Merz and French president Emmanuel Macron at the Franco-German Defence and Security Council, held at Nörvenich Air Base on Friday, July 17th.
According to a German government official, the two leaders are expected to agree on deeper cooperation in the field of nuclear deterrence, including the participation of German military personnel in the French exercise.
Poker is France’s annual drill simulating an air-launched nuclear strike and forms a key element of the country’s independent nuclear deterrent.
The announcement follows President Macron’s proposal earlier this year to strengthen European cooperation on nuclear deterrence amid growing concerns over the continent’s long-term security.
An Élysée Palace official said Friday’s meeting would mark “significant progress” on European nuclear deterrence cooperation.
Possible areas of cooperation include participation in French nuclear exercises and the temporary deployment of nuclear-capable Rafale aeroplanes to allied countries. Ukraine recently secured loan funds to purchase such fighter aircraft to own.)
