Key facts
- German military personnel will participate in France's nuclear drill Poker this fall.
- The participation is expected to be agreed upon by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron.
- This marks a significant step toward closer Franco-German cooperation on nuclear deterrence.
- The decision comes as European governments reassess their reliance on the U.S. for security.
- The drill simulates air-launched nuclear strikes.
German military personnel are set to participate in France’s flagship nuclear drill Poker for the first time this fall, a move that signifies a significant step toward closer Franco-German cooperation on nuclear deterrence. The agreement is expected to be finalized during a meeting between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron at Germany’s Nörvenich Air Base.
This development occurs as European governments increasingly question their long-term reliance on the United States for security. The decision to join the French nuclear exercise, which simulates air-launched nuclear strikes, comes amid growing pressure from China and a recognition that the transatlantic partnership may no longer be as dependable as in the past.