German Military to Join France's Nuclear Exercise Poker for the First Time This Autumn

Full text

BERLIN — German military personnel are set to take part in France’s flagship nuclear drill Poker for the first time this fall, according to a German government official.

The move would be a significant step toward closer Franco-German cooperation on nuclear deterrence.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to agree on the participation during a meeting of the Franco-German Defense and Security Council at Germany’s Nörvenich Air Base on Friday.

“Agreements are due to be reached” on nuclear deterrence cooperation, said the official briefing reporters. “Among other things, it will in all likelihood be agreed that German service members will participate in a French nuclear exercise for the first time in the autumn.”

In a landmark speech in March, Macron said several European countries — including Germany — had agreed to enhance cooperation on nuclear deterrence. Options for this range from participation in Poker — which simulates air-launched nuclear strikes — to temporary deployment of nuclear-capable French Rafale fighter jets.

An Elysée Palace official also hinted that Paris and Berlin would agree to move forward on nuclear deterrence this week. “Significant progress on forward deterrence will have been made one year after the Île-Longue speech, with the first signs appearing [on Friday],” they told reporters.

The talks come as European governments question how long they can rely on the U.S. for their security. The ministerial meeting was happening against the backdrop of growing pressure from China and a transatlantic partnership that could no longer be taken for granted, said the German official.

Laura Kayali reported from Paris.