Germany, UK sign joint declaration to enhance defense cooperation

Germany and the U.K.’s defense ministries announce landmark joint declaration to boost bilateral defense cooperation.

Commitment to cooperation

Recognizing the urgent need for closer collaboration, Germany and the U.K. have committed to strengthening their defense partnership. Building on existing collaborations, such as the German-British Amphibious Engineer Battalion 130 in Minden, Germany.

The defense ministers seek to promote stability on NATO’s eastern flank and throughout Europe and the Euro-Atlantic area. This enhanced cooperation marks a new chapter in German-British defense relations.

Strategic context

In response to escalating security concerns from Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Germany and the U.K. emphasized the need for a unified European security strategy. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to NATO’s principles, highlighting its crucial role in collective deterrence and defense. Strengthening the European contribution to NATO will be essential in effectively addressing emerging security threats.

Priority objectives

1. Strengthening defense industries
   • Both nations will explore joint procurement initiatives and interoperability, advancing research and development to enhance technological innovation and capability production.
2. Reinforcing Euro-Atlantic Security
   • Germany and the U.K. will bolster NATO, promote cooperation between NATO and the EU, and support collective action within international forums. This includes enhancing cooperation on NATO’s Eastern Flank through Forward Land Forces and NATO’s Advance Plans.
3. Enhancing interoperability
   • Efforts will be made to improve coordination between the German Bundeswehr and U.K. Armed Forces, ensuring seamless interoperability across all domains and strengthening NATO standardization.
4. Addressing emerging threats
   • Joint efforts will focus on countering hybrid warfare, cyber threats, and climate change, enhancing collective resilience and response capabilities.
5. Supporting Ukraine
   • Germany and the U.K. will coordinate long-term military support for Ukraine, fostering stability and bolstering the country’s defense against external aggression.
6. Deep precision strike
   • Both nations will engage in long-term cooperation on long-range capabilities, in partnership with other allies.

Intergovernmental cooperation structures

To ensure strategic direction and oversight, a senior-level group will be established to steer defense cooperation, accompanied by annual meetings of defense ministers. Enhanced dialogue between parliamentarians and joint strategic planning forums is also proposed.

Defense industry and military collaboration

Utilizing existing frameworks such as Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), the Eurofighter/Typhoon program, and the Boxer User Group, the defense ministers committed to fostering joint procurement initiatives and advancing NATO standardization. Regular consultations on defense exports will further support shared security and defense industrial bases.

Germany and the U.K. will explore enhancing military cooperation through defense diplomacy, interoperability, and strategic exchanges, including joint training programs and technological advancements.