The UK and Germany have officially begun joint development of a long-range “deep precision strike” weapon with a range exceeding 2,000 kilometres, in a major step towards strengthening European defence cooperation. This project is an important step forward in the growing military cooperation between Europe’s two biggest economies.
The announcement was made during a bilateral defence meeting in Berlin, where UK Defence Secretary John Healey and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy. The project stems from the Trinity House Agreement, signed last October in London, which both countries described as “historic” and unprecedented in the scope of Anglo-German defence cooperation.
We must be in a position to defend ourselves so that we do not ever actually need to defend ourselves
Chancellor Friedrich Merz
Healey stated that Britain and Germany would “co-lead” this new missile development, noting that it forms part of a broader effort to reinforce NATO’s collective deterrence. The weapon is intended to fill a critical capability gap identified by European defence planners in light of escalating threats, particularly from Russia.
UK-Germany Missile Project Signals Push for European Defence Independence
Pistorius confirmed that work on the missile system has already begun and emphasised the urgency of the project, saying, “We need to close all capability gaps as quickly as possible.” His remarks underscored a growing European consensus on the necessity of enhancing indigenous defence capacities, independent of American technology.
This move also reflects concerns over the long-term reliability of the United States as a security guarantor. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz earlier warned that Europe must pursue “real independence” in defence matters, citing a perceived shift in U.S. priorities under new leadership.
Beyond missile development, the Berlin meeting highlighted several ongoing and future collaborative efforts. These include joint procurement of torpedoes, creation of a bilateral defence industry forum, and the production of the Boxer armoured vehicle—manufactured by Rheinmetall in UK-based facilities for the British Army.
A Strategic Shift
Maritime security is another focus area. In response to suspected sabotage of undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, both nations have pledged to enhance surveillance and defence of the North Sea. This includes providing a comprehensive “underwater situational picture” and conducting joint submarine operations using platforms like the P-8A Poseidon aircraft, which German crews will soon begin operating from bases in Scotland.
The cooperation extends to other high-tech capabilities. Britain’s experience in combat drone operations may support Germany’s efforts to accelerate its own drone programme. Discussions are also underway regarding future fighter aircraft. While Germany is developing a system alongside France and Spain, and the UK is doing so with Japan and Italy, both sides have acknowledged the importance of ensuring system compatibility for joint missions.
Security experts such as Ben Schreer of the International Institute for Strategic Studies have praised the evolving partnership. He noted that the UK remains a key NATO ally with a strong presence in regions vital to German interests, such as the Baltic and Arctic. According to Schreer, Anglo-German collaboration could set a benchmark for broader European cooperation, especially as defence budgets across the continent face increasing pressure.
As Europe assumes greater responsibility for its own defence, this bilateral initiative could prove pivotal—not only in terms of military capability but also as a symbol of renewed strategic alignment between key NATO members.
