For the first time, the UK and France are set to coordinate their nuclear arsenals in a move to bolster European defence without relying on the US.
Response to the Russian threat
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron said their nations would work together as the Russian threat continues to loom large.
Europe can no longer rely on Trump
Europe has been forced to up its defence capability after US President Trump cast significant doubt on US commitment to collective defence on the continent.
The UK government reiterated that the respective deterrents of both countries remain independent by “can be” coordinated. They said there is no “extreme threat to Europe that would not prompt a response by both nations”.
France refuses to become member of Nato nuclear planning group
France has long refused to become a member of Nato’s nuclear planning group, of which the UK is a part. Instead, it has maintained its independent decision-making on nuclear weapons.
France has refused to take part in Nato nuclear sharing, which has long allowed the US to station its weapons in Europe and allows several European countries to carry them in fighter jets.
Cooperation could involve coordinating refits of nuclear submarines and the improvement of nuclear arsenals.
Trident perceived to be outdated by critics
Calls for the UK to improve or replace its nuclear deterrents have been in the spotlight after a Trident II missile reportedly failed in a test when it was launched from the nuclear-powered submarine HMS Vanguard off the east coast of Florida in January 2024. Another trident missile failed in a previous test in 2016.
A new era
The cooperation will also see the two European powers jointly working to develop next-generation technology including artificial intelligence to improve strike capabilities for nuclear and conventional weapons.
How the two nations will coordinate in real terms is yet to be observed, but the decision by Elysee Palace and Downing Street signifies a new era where Western Europe is taking defence seriously.
