Germany to Join French Nuclear Exercise in Defense Cooperation Push

Germany will take part in a French nuclear exercise later this year, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced after defense talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at an air base near Cologne. The move is part of efforts to strengthen military ties between the two European powers. Merz and Macron also agreed to continue developing a cloud solution for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a joint fighter jet project that faced setbacks earlier this year. The meeting comes as Franco-German relations navigate an uncertain future ahead of French elections. The nuclear drill marks a step in deeper defense cooperation, with Germany joining France's nuclear deterrence exercise for the first time. Both leaders emphasized the importance of European security and strategic autonomy. The agreement underscores their commitment to advancing joint military projects despite political challenges.