British military leaders are reportedly backing a potential security agreement with Germany that could involve sharing nuclear weapons, amid concerns over Russia’s alleged “critical” threat and the possibility of the US scaling back its role in Europe. According to a report by The Telegraph, senior leaders, including a former chief of defense staff and a former NATO secretary-general, have urged London to begin talks with Berlin.
The alleged threat posed by Russia and growing concerns over the US’s potential reduction in its European presence have sparked discussions about a new security arrangement. Germany, which is prohibited from developing nuclear weapons, is already engaged in strategic discussions with France about joining its nuclear umbrella. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has indicated that he would be open to exploring a similar arrangement with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Although formal talks between London and Berlin have not yet taken place, several defense officials have spoken in favor of the arrangement. Lord Robertson, a former NATO secretary-general, stated that it is “right and proper” and should have happened a long time ago. He added that if Russia continues to deploy nuclear rhetoric, it will force decisions to be made within Europe as a whole.
Britain’s nuclear deterrent, which has been declared to NATO since 1962, remains under London’s sole control, with one of its Trident-armed submarines always on patrol. Earlier this year, Starmer announced plans to purchase 12 F-35A stealth jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which will be based in Britain.
However, not all defense officials are in favor of a shared nuclear system. Retired General Sir Richard Barrons warned that such a system would be “unworkable” due to the challenges of making collective launch decisions under time pressure. Field Marshal Lord Houghton, a former chief of defense staff, suggested that Europe should consider a broader nuclear option as the US pivots towards China, but questioned whether it would be beneficial or not.
Defense sources have stated that while coordination between London and Berlin may expand, any weapons-sharing plan remains a long way off. Moscow has rejected claims that it plans to attack NATO or use nuclear weapons, stating that its nuclear doctrine is purely defensive and aimed at protecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The potential security agreement between the UK and Germany highlights the ongoing concerns over European security and the need for cooperation in the face of emerging threats.
