France and Britain Announce Readiness to Coordinate Their Nuclear Deterrence

SadaNews - France and Britain have announced an unprecedented step in the history of their defense relations, as both countries confirmed their readiness to coordinate their nuclear deterrence to protect Europe from any "extreme threats".

 

French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are set to sign a new declaration confirming for the first time that the two countries' nuclear deterrents are independent yet can be coordinated in the face of major threats.

The joint statement clarified that "extreme threats to Europe will provoke a response from both countries," without specifying the nature or operational details of this response, while emphasizing that the decision to activate nuclear weapons remains sovereign and independent for each country.

A "Nuclear Oversight Group" will be established, headed by the Élysée Palace and the office of the British Prime Minister, to be responsible for coordinating the growing cooperation in political areas, capabilities, and military operations.

The agreement between the two countries also includes enhancing cooperation in the development of long-range missiles such as Storm Shadow/SCALP, working on future alternative systems, alongside cooperation in artificial intelligence and advanced defense technologies.

For its part, the British government announced that Great Britain and France will strengthen their cooperation in nuclear deterrence and will remain open to taking coordinated actions in this area.

The British government also added that "any enemy threatening the vital interests of Britain or France can be confronted with the nuclear forces of both countries".

The 37th British-French summit is scheduled to be held on the morning of July 10. At its conclusion, the so-called coalition of countries willing to support Ukraine will meet via video link.

Starmer and Macron are expected to attend the meeting in person at Northwood Base near London, after which they will hold a joint press conference.

Source: TASS + Agencies