UK and Germany Forge Historic Defence Partnership to Strengthen European Security
London and Berlin, 23 October 2024—In a significant move to address evolving security threats in Europe, the UK and Germany have formalised a joint commitment to deepen defence cooperation. Defence Ministers John Healey of the United Kingdom and Boris Pistorius of Germany signed a comprehensive defence agreement aimed at enhancing military interoperability, bolstering European defence capabilities, and reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank. This unprecedented partnership reflects a shared dedication to secure stability in the Euro-Atlantic region against mounting global challenges.
Strategic Imperatives and Mutual Interests
The UK-Germany agreement arrives at a time of heightened security concerns across Europe, primarily due to the war in Ukraine and escalating geopolitical tensions. The partnership underscores NATO as the cornerstone of collective security, reinforcing that European security is a joint responsibility requiring cohesive action. Both nations have pledged to fortify their defence industries and enhance military coordination, with a view to creating a robust, resilient partnership that supports NATO’s strategic objectives and addresses emerging threats.
The agreement also acknowledges the essential role of a competitive European defence industry, which is necessary for Europe’s strategic and economic resilience. By sharing resources, coordinating research, and undertaking joint development programmes, the two countries aim to establish a sustainable defence industrial base that enhances both security and economic stability across Europe.
Priority Objectives
1. Strengthening the Defence Industrial Base
The Ministries of Defence have prioritised initiatives to cultivate a strong European defence industry through joint procurement, research, and technological development. The focus is on enabling shared production capabilities and promoting innovation within European defence firms, ensuring that both nations—and Europe as a whole—are equipped to address current and future challenges.
2. Reinforcing Euro-Atlantic Security
NATO’s eastern flank remains a focal point for the UK and Germany, as both countries increase their support for Forward Land Forces and NATO’s advance plans. This includes close coordination with the Baltic states and Canada to strengthen collective deterrence and enhance NATO’s capacity to defend allied territories.
3. Enhancing Interoperability
Seamless coordination between the UK and German armed forces is essential for effective defence operations. The agreement prioritises enhanced interoperability across all military domains, with both nations committed to improving standardisation within NATO and refining operational cohesion across air, land, and maritime services.
4. Addressing Emerging Threats
With hybrid warfare, cyber threats, and climate change on the rise, both countries recognise the importance of a joint response. The agreement sets out a framework for cooperation in cyber defence and resilience-building against unconventional threats, including climate-related risks.
5. Long-Term Support for Ukraine
In line with the commitment to stability in Eastern Europe, the UK and Germany have pledged continued support for Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression. Through coordinated military aid, both nations aim to reinforce Ukraine’s defence capabilities, aligning with the broader NATO strategy.
6. Expanding Deep Precision Strike Capabilities
As part of a shared goal to strengthen deterrence, the UK and Germany will collaborate on developing long-range strike capabilities. This joint initiative will support conventional deterrence and enhance Europe’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence, including the advancement of new technologies and shared military doctrines.
Mechanisms for Enhanced Cooperation
To ensure effective governance and strategic oversight, the agreement establishes several new structures, including a Military Steering Committee to oversee interoperability efforts, the Ministerial Equipment and Capability Cooperation Group (MECC) to drive defence industrial collaboration, and a Defence Policy Dialogue for ongoing discussions on defence strategy. Regular senior leadership meetings, including annual defence ministerial councils, will monitor and advance cooperative efforts.
Collaborative Defence Projects
Key areas of collaboration include the development of Uncrewed Aerial Systems and integration of Future Combat Air Systems to enhance precision strike capabilities and ensure seamless connectivity across air platforms. In the land domain, both countries will work together in NATO’s Armour Capability Coalition and focus on enhancing NATO’s eastern defences with joint training and capability-building efforts in the Baltic states.
Further initiatives in undersea defence will target critical infrastructure protection and Anti-Submarine Warfare in the North Atlantic and North Sea. Joint operations and coordinated deployments will strengthen the security of maritime domains, with an emphasis on protecting vital undersea communications and infrastructure.
Long-Term Vision and Commitment
The UK-Germany defence agreement symbolises a shared vision of resilience and preparedness across the Euro-Atlantic area. Through this enhanced partnership, both countries aim to drive forward a unified response to new security challenges, from conventional warfare to cyber and environmental threats. This partnership, guided by shared democratic values, will support a secure and stable Europe.
As the partnership progresses, both nations have pledged to regularly evaluate their joint objectives and ambitions to address future challenges effectively. By fostering deeper integration and continuous dialogue, the UK and Germany are poised to shape the future of European security and contribute to a resilient NATO that can protect peace and stability across the region.