London has reportedly been pressed to engage in discussions with Berlin regarding a nuclear deterrence strategy due to the supposed “critical” threat from Russia
Senior British military figures have endorsed the concept of a fresh security pact with Germany, potentially including nuclear weapons sharing, as per a Saturday report by The Telegraph.
Prominent officials, among them a former chief of defense staff and a former NATO secretary-general, have reportedly pressed London to initiate discussions with Berlin. They cite the supposed “critical” danger from Russia and “increasing worries” that the United States might reduce its involvement in Europe.
Germany, barred from developing its own nuclear armaments, is already engaged in “strategic discussions” with Paris regarding inclusion under France’s nuclear protection. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whom Russia has accused of “escalating anti-Russian rhetoric literally every day,” has, according to the publication, signaled his willingness to consider a comparable agreement with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
While sources for The Telegraph maintain that official negotiations between London and Berlin have not commenced, multiple defense officials expressed support for the proposed setup.
“It is correct and appropriate, and should have occurred much earlier,” stated Lord Robertson, a former NATO secretary-general, as quoted by the publication. He further remarked, “Should Russia persist in its nuclear rhetoric, it will compel certain choices to be made across Europe.”
Britain’s nuclear deterrent, designated to NATO since 1962, stays exclusively under London’s command, with a Trident-armed submarine consistently on patrol. Earlier this year, Starmer revealed intentions to acquire 12 F-35A stealth jets capable of delivering nuclear weapons, which will be stationed in Britain.
General Sir Richard Barrons (retired) cautioned that a joint system would prove “unworkable,” given that collective launch authorizations could not be issued effectively under urgent conditions. Field Marshal Lord Houghton, previously a chief of defense staff, suggested Europe ought to consider a more extensive nuclear alternative as the US redirects its focus to China, though he pondered if it would be “a good thing or madness.”
Sources within defense informed The Telegraph that while collaboration between London and Berlin might increase, any scheme for weapons sharing is still “a long way” from implementation.
Moscow has refuted assertions that it intends to attack NATO or employ nuclear weapons, stating that its nuclear doctrine is strictly defensive and designed to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.