Britain and Germany to sign defense pact to counter Russian threat
Britain's Defence Secretary John Healey (R) and Germany's Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (L) sign the The Trinity House Agreement, the new UK-Germany Defence Agreement, at Trinity House, in London, on October 23, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Britain and Germany will sign a defense pact on Wednesday to strengthen European security in response to the growing threat from Russia. The agreement marks the first defense pact between the two nations, focusing on increased collaboration across air, land, sea, and cyber domains, officials said.
Joint defense capabilities across multiple domains
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the importance of closer cooperation to address security challenges.
“The U.K. and Germany are moving closer together. With projects across the air, land, sea, and cyber domains, we will jointly increase our defense capabilities, thereby strengthening the European pillar within NATO,” Pistorius said in a statement ahead of the agreement signing.
The pact will enable joint efforts to close critical capability gaps, including the development of long-range strike weapons.
British Defence Minister John Healey said the agreement was “a milestone moment in our relationship with Germany and a major strengthening of Europe’s security”.
“It secures unprecedented levels of new cooperation with the German Armed Forces and industry, bringing benefits to our shared security and prosperity, protecting our shared values and boosting our defense industrial bases,” he said.
Submarine-hunting operations and underwater security
As part of the agreement, German Boeing P-8 aircraft submarine-hunting planes will periodically operate from a military base in Scotland to patrol the North Atlantic.
The two countries will also collaborate to protect vital underwater cables in the North Sea, ensuring key communication and infrastructure remain secure.
Focus on long-range strike weapons and defense collaboration
Britain and Germany will prioritize the development of long-range strike weapons capable of exceeding the range of the U.K.’s existing Storm Shadow missiles. In addition, German defense firm Rheinmetall is set to open a factory in the U.K. to produce artillery gun barrels using British steel, boosting defense industry collaboration.
Enhanced NATO cooperation on eastern flank
The pact will enhance cooperation between British and German forces deployed to NATO’s eastern flank in Estonia and Lithuania. The two countries will work more closely together during exercises and operations, ensuring land forces are prepared to respond effectively to potential threats.
Collaboration on drone development
The agreement also includes joint efforts to develop new land-based and aerial drones, further enhancing both nations’ defense capabilities in the face of rising security challenges from Russia.
