The United Kingdom and Germany signed Trinity House Agreement, a defense pact that will significantly enhance bilateral cooperation across all military sectors, reported UK’s government on October 22.
This deal includes the development of new long-range weapons and reaffirmation of joint military support for Ukraine.
“The signing of the Trinity House Agreement marks a fundamental shift in the UK’s relations with Germany and European security. This agreement between Europe’s two biggest defense spenders will strengthen national security and economic growth in the face of growing Russian aggression threat,” stated the UK Ministry of Defence.
The pact ensures long-term collaboration between the two nations across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. This includes joint development of “brand-new extended deep strike weapons that can travel further with more precision than current systems, including Storm Shadow.”
Key projects under the agreement include Germany’s defense company Rheinmetall opening a factory in the UK to manufacture artillery barrels, utilizing British steel for production, further cooperation in the production of Boxer armored vehicles, and partnerships in unmanned aerial vehicle technology (drones).
The agreement also aims to bolster NATO’s eastern flank and enhance protection for critical underwater infrastructure.
As part of the agreement, the UK and Germany will work together to safeguard underwater cables in the North Sea, with German anti-submarine aircraft being stationed at a Scottish base to patrol the North Atlantic.
In the immediate term, the UK and Germany will equip German-donated Sea King helicopters with modern missile systems to provide Ukraine with enhanced offensive capabilities.
Longer-term plans include deeper collaboration through the Capability Coalitions for Ukraine, where the UK will increase its role in the German-Polish Armor Coalition, and Germany will support the UK-Latvian-led drone coalition.
Earlier, the United Kingdom announced an additional $155 million (£120 million) in funding for Ukraine’s naval coalition.
