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Jul 19, 2026 · Archive
World

Bundeswehr To Join France's Nuclear Drills This Autumn, Pistorius Confirms

The agreement, sealed at Nörvenich air base on July 17, follows a March pact and leaves Germany's NATO nuclear-sharing role untouched.

  • German-French Defense Council met July 17 at Nörvenich, hosting Pistorius, Vautrin, Wadephul and Barrot.
  • Two French Rafales and two German Eurofighters refueled together mid-air as a live demonstration.
  • The pact also covers precision strikes past 2,000 kilometers and joint space-based reconnaissance systems.

Why it matters: Paris and Berlin are drilling a nuclear backup because neither fully trusts Washington's umbrella.

German Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg) press release confirming Bundeswehr will join French nuclear exercise this autumn ↗ · Jul 19, 20267/19/26 · ✓ Checked✓ Check