Merz and Macron pledge defence unity following FCAS collapse
Leaders commit to deeper cooperation on nuclear deterrence and cloud technology, aiming to stabilise the strategic partnership ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron have reaffirmed their commitment to deeper defence cooperation, announcing that German troops will participate in a French military nuclear exercise later this year. The announcement was made on Friday following joint defence talks at an air base near Cologne, marking the first meeting of the two governments’ cabinets since the Élysée Treaty was signed in 1962.
The leaders sought to move past the collapse of the joint Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter jet project earlier in 2026, which fell victim to disagreements between Airbus and France’s Dassault. Merz confirmed that Germany would continue to develop the “cloud solution” component from the abandoned project, signalling a shift in focus from platform integration to shared digital infrastructure.
Merz stated that German participation in the French nuclear exercise is “complementary to our nuclear participation and deterrence within NATO, which we still hold to.” This clarification comes as France seeks to broaden its nuclear deterrence network. President Macron previously identified Germany as one of eight countries agreeing to participate in a French-led nuclear deterrence project, though he has stressed that France will retain tight control over nuclear decision-making.
The talks took place in a castle near Cologne, the historic site where French President Charles de Gaulle and German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer agreed on the framework for friendship. The leaders emerged from a Super Puma helicopter, a symbol of successful cooperation, before addressing the press next to a French Rafale jet and a German Eurofighter. Macron emphasised the need to restore momentum in defence cooperation before the next French presidential election in spring 2027, where far-right leader Marine Le Pen is a frontrunner.
Merz told reporters that Germany’s “hand remains extended towards France” regardless of the election outcome. He also confirmed that Germany would join a manoeuvre in autumn organised by France within the Coalition of the Willing group for Ukraine’s allies. This participation aligns with Macron’s recent calls for a multinational force for Ukraine, which would hold exercises in neighbouring countries to validate deployment plans once the fighting ends.
