Insight Innovation: Europe's Deterrent: How Well Can France's Nuclear Weapons Protect Germany?
For the first time, the German military is taking part in France's strictly secret nuclear exercise. What Macron's deterrence can do for Europe and what role Germany is supposed to play in it.
France conducts a nuclear air attack training exercise called "Operation Poker" four times a year, involving over 40 aircraft, including Rafale jets and tanker planes. This year's exercise includes participation from Germany, along with nine other countries, in a move to strengthen European cooperation on nuclear deterrence, an initiative led by French President Emmanuel Macron.
France's nuclear arsenal consists of around 290 warheads, with its strategic forces including nuclear-capable Rafale jets, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and four strategic submarines. Germany's involvement comes after Macron offered to open up France's nuclear deterrent to European partners in March.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
