Germany to Join French Nuclear Exercise for First Time

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed on July 17, 2026, that German military personnel will participate in France's flagship nuclear exercise, Poker, for the first time this autumn. Formalized during a Franco-German Defense and Security Council meeting at Nörvenich Air Base, the move aims to deepen European nuclear deterrence and security independence as reliability of the United States as a security partner declines. The cooperation began symbolically on July 16 with an in-flight refueling exercise involving French Rafale and German Eurofighter jets.

The agreement is part of a broader effort to revitalize bilateral relations following the collapse of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter jet project. Meeting near Cologne at Bensberg Castle and Schloss Augustusburg, the leaders established a joint steering group to coordinate missile defense, radar systems, and deep-strike capabilities. While Merz emphasized that this complements Germany's existing nuclear commitments within NATO, Macron specified that France will maintain strict control over nuclear decision-making.

Beyond nuclear deterrence, the leaders agreed to investigate a proof-of-concept for the Main Ground Combat System battle tank project and collaborate on satellite internet and early warning systems. Additionally, Germany will join a French-led autumn maneuver as part of the "Coalition of the Willing" to support Ukraine. These diplomatic efforts occur against a backdrop of threats from Russia and internal political pressures, including the rise of Marine Le Pen's National Rally in France.