The UK and Germany will jointly develop a long-range “deep precision strike” weapon exceeding 2,000 km, boosting European defence ties.
The project builds on a commitment made last year to develop new weapons, when both countries signed a bilateral defence pact and stressed the need for Europe to be able to defend itself against any escalation of the war in Ukraine.
Trinity House Agreement
“The signing of the Trinity House Agreement marks a fundamental shift in the UK’s relations with Germany and for European security. This agreement between Europe’s two biggest defence spenders will strengthen national security and economic growth in the face of growing Russian aggression and increasing threats,” an official news release published last October read.
Since the signing of that deal, Donald Trump has won a US presidential election and made clear he expects Europe to take responsibility for its own security, triggering a scramble on the continent to find ways to boost domestic defence industries.
‘Engine For Growth’
British defence minister John Healey and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius will announce the new long-range weapon project at a meeting in Berlin.
“In a more dangerous world, NATO and European allies stand united,” Healey said in a statement.
“This partnership is helping us make defence an engine for growth – creating jobs, boosting skills, and driving investment across the UK and Germany.”
The statement did not provide further details on the project’s timeline or budget.
Ministers are also expected to discuss joint procurement of torpedoes for maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, and announce a deal for Germany’s purchase of British-made military bridges, the statement said.
“It will bring the two nation’s defence industries closer than ever, including a long-term commitment to manufacturing Boxer armoured vehicles, supporting skilled jobs across the UK. The deal also aims to support and expanded complex weapons development in the UK, laying a path for Sting Ray Torpedoes procurement,” the October release stated.
(With inputs from Reuters)
