Germany is reportedly considering investing in Britain's Trident nuclear deterrent as part of efforts to reduce European reliance on Washington. Talks are said to be underway, with Berlin looking at offering a cash injection for the programme.
Reshaping Europe's nuclear umbrella
Friedrich Merz's administration is seeking to reshape Europe's nuclear umbrella amid concerns over the continent's dependence on the US. The issue has grown in significance following warnings from Washington that European security is no longer its primary concern and that the continent itself must step up.
Threats from Donald Trump to quit the alliance or fail to defend nations deemed not to be paying enough for their defence have also added to fears.
Integration over independent arsenal
A source told The Telegraph that Germany wants to better integrate itself into Britain and France's nuclear deterrents rather than build its own weapon. Berlin has a "very strong interest that the existing nuclear powers in Europe extend their capabilities", the source added.
Discussions between London, Paris and Berlin are said to have accelerated in recent months amid concerns over the reliability of the Trump administration. A diplomatic source in Germany, also speaking to The Telegraph, said lawmakers are "waking up each morning and asking themselves what the hell the Americans are going to do tomorrow".
Britain and France as sole nuclear powers
Britain and France are Europe's sole nuclear powers, with NATO still heavily reliant on the umbrella provided by America. Britain's Trident nuclear missiles are operated by four ageing Vanguard-class submarines. Paris also has a submarine-launched deterrent, as well as missiles that can be fired by fighter jets.
A security source said Germany is keen to see how the capabilities could play a "bigger role" in European defence and strengthen continental cooperation. Mr Merz has previously spoken of not wanting Germany to build its own nukes, but instead incorporate French and British in a wider deterrence arrangement for Europe.
Deepening defence ties and rising threats
Germany is taking part in nuclear drills with France later this year as part of deepening defence ties between the nations. France is boosting its nuclear arsenal and has announced eight other countries — including Germany — have agreed to participate in a new "advanced deterrence" strategy.
Vladimir Putin has regularly rattled the nuclear sabre at the West over its support for Ukraine. Fears over the Russian threat have only risen following CIA Director John Ratcliffe's surprise visit to Moscow on Tuesday. The US spy chief is said to have warned Kremlin officials not to attack NATO, in particular the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. It follows American intelligence that Russia could be planning an attack on NATO territory to test the alliance's resolve.
German military planners reportedly believe they could deploy conventional forces to support the functioning of Trident. This could include air-defence systems at key sites relating to the UK nuclear deterrent, according to The Telegraph.
