Germany's Merz hails nuclear deterrence cooperation with France

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that German forces will take part in a French nuclear exercise for the first time before the end of 2026, as part of a new joint deterrence strategy. He said this could lead to a new doctrine but it is too early to confirm. The move comes amid uncertainty over US security commitments, but Merz stressed it complements NATO's nuclear umbrella. President Macron said Germany will play a 'vanguard role' in deterrence.