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UK and France Launch Joint Nuclear Deterrence Framework to Boost NATO Defense
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![Photo of Roman Kohanets]( "Photo of Roman Kohanets")
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At a bilateral meeting in London, the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Defense and France’s Minister of the Armed Forces announced a new framework to synchronize their submarine-based and air-launched nuclear capabilities, sharing early-warning data and conducting combined exercises to bolster NATO’s strategic deterrence posture, as was reported by Financial Times on July 10.
Officials emphasized that coordinated second-strike forces will present a unified deterrent against evolving threats.
“This initiative will strengthen our ability to ensure a stable deterrent posture and protect our populations,” said the British defense secretary.
The agreement, building on the 2010 Lancaster House treaties, establishes joint planning bodies and regular ministerial consultations to align the operational readiness of Britain’s Vanguard-class submarines and France’s Triomphant-class fleet, while integrating future air-launched options such as the RAF’s F-35As and France’s ASMP-A missiles.
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The French minister added that enhanced interoperability and shared situational awareness are essential to respond swiftly to any major escalation.
Analysts note that by pooling their nuclear doctrines, London and Paris signal a shift toward greater European strategic autonomy amid concerns over Russia’s expanding arsenal and uncertain US commitments.
President Emmanuel Macron has long called for extending France’s nuclear umbrella to fellow EU members—a proposal experts deem more feasible now that both nuclear powers have formalized coordination.
Earlier, the European Union failed to adopt its 18th sanctions package against Russia after Slovakia blocked the decision at a meeting of EU permanent representatives.
