This is considered a strategic step to strengthen Europe's defense capabilities in the context of the world becoming more unstable.
The announcement was made by the UK government on 15 May, while UK Defence Minister John Healey and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius were preparing to officially announce the project at a meeting in Berlin.
Reuters reported that the project was developed based on a commitment signed in 2024, when the two countries agreed to strengthen defense cooperation through a bilateral treaty, emphasizing the need for Europe to proactively protect itself from the risk of escalating the conflict in Ukraine.
The new political context also contributes to promoting the project. Since Donald Trump won the US presidential election, he has repeatedly affirmed that Europe needs to shoulder its own security responsibility. This has prompted countries in the region to urgently seek to strengthen their domestic defense capabilities, in order to reduce their dependence on the US in strategic security issues.
Minister John Healey said: In an increasingly dangerous world, NATO and its European allies must always stand together. This partnership not only strengthens security, but also turns defence into growth driver - job creation, skills improvement and investment attraction in the UK and Germany.
The notice did not specify the specific implementation time or budget for the above-mentioned long-range weapons development project. However, cooperation between these two countries is expected to bring many strategic and economic benefits.
In addition, the two sides will also discuss jointly purchasing towed fish to equip patrolling and reconnaissance ships, and announce an agreement in which Germany will buy British-made military bridges. These moves show that the defense relationship between the two countries is increasingly expanding and deepening.
