Germany and France conduct joint nuclear drill with atomic-capable jets

Germany and France have launched their first joint air force exercises under a nuclear deterrence cooperation agreement reached in March, according to Die Zeit.

The initial phase of the drills is taking place at Nörvenich Air Base in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia state, where two French Rafale fighter jets capable of carrying atomic weapons and two German Eurofighter aircraft practiced aerial refueling.

According to the report, the exercise marks the beginning of the implementation of the nuclear partnership agreed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this year.

In the next stage of the drills, German and French military personnel will jointly carry out maintenance work on aircraft from both countries.

The exercises are being held ahead of a meeting between Merz and Macron at Bensberg Castle near Nörvenich. On July 17, the two leaders are scheduled to chair a session of the Franco-German Defence and Security Council at the air base, where bilateral cooperation on nuclear deterrence is expected to be among the key topics.