The German government has reportedly offered to contribute towards Britain\u2019s replacement of its nuclear weapons programme, according to the Telegraph newspaper.<\/p>\n
One source with knowledge of the talks told the paper that Germany was willing to contribute financially to maintaining Britain\u2019s nuclear weapons systems. \u201cWe have a very strong interest that the existing nuclear powers in Europe extend their capabilities,\u201d the source said.<\/p>\n
The British government is in the process of replacing its four nuclear-armed submarines with the new Dreadnought class submarines, due to be operational by the 2030s. Britain is also committed to build 12 nuclear-powered submarines as part of the AUKUS treaty, also due to be operational by the 2030s. Last month, the government announced \u00a364 billion will be spent on its nuclear weapons over the next four years.<\/p>\n
Germany and Britain have been increasingly strengthening their military cooperation, including jointly developing Deep Precision Strike long-range missiles capable of travelling more than 2,000 kilometres \u2013 which could reach deep into Russian territory.<\/p>\n
These UK\/German talks follow the announcement of France\u2019s \u2018nuclear sharing\u2019 arrangement with nine other European countries, including Germany, Poland, Finland and Norway. This could see French nuclear-capable fighter jets deployed to these countries. In July, Germany announced that troops will take part in the first round of nuclear exercises with France.<\/p>\n
Germany has been undergoing a major militarisation drive since 2022. This includes raising<\/a> its military spending to 5% of GDP by 2030. In 2027, 20% of its entire federal budget \u2013 \u20ac109.7 billion out of \u20ac555.4 billion \u2013 will be on military spending. It also plans to build the largest army in Europe and has been gradually changing its military service laws to pave the way for the possible reintroduction of conscription.<\/p>\n From next year, 5,000 German troops will be permanently stationed in Lithuania, Germany\u2019s first permanent overseas presence since 1955. This comes as Lithuania is preparing<\/a> to remove a constitutional barrier to hosting foreign military bases and potentially nuclear weapons.<\/p>\n