Germany to Join French Nuclear Deterrence Exercise for First Time

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed on Friday that Germany will take part in a nuclear deterrence exercise organised by France. “We will participate in the French armed forces’ nuclear exercise at the end of this year,” Merz wrote on X. The chancellor added that by deepening defence cooperation, Germany and France are “strengthening European deterrence.” Citing a German government spokesperson, NTV reported on Thursday that Germany would join the French nuclear deterrence exercise for the first time this autumn. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the country is entering a period of “advanced nuclear deterrence.” As part of this new approach, Paris will increase its stockpile of nuclear warheads, and European nations will be able to participate in joint deterrence exercises held by France, he added. Macron said eight European countries will join the new French doctrine, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, and Denmark. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the current international situation carries the risk of a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia, which could rapidly escalate into a mutual nuclear strike.