UK, Germany Sign Deal To Boost Defense Cooperation – WE News English

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BERLIN: Britain and Germany signed a joint defense declaration on Wednesday, committing to closer collaboration to strengthen their defense industries, enhance European security, and bolster support for Ukraine in its resistance against Russian forces.

John Healey, Britain’s new defense minister, signed the pact in Berlin during his meeting with German counterpart Boris Pistorius.

This visit is part of Healey’s two-day tour, which includes stops in France, Poland, and Estonia, aimed at reinforcing the Labour government’s commitment to deepening defense ties within the European Union.

“These visits send a clear signal that European security will be a top priority for this government in foreign and defense policy,” Healey stated.

“Our new defense declaration with Germany will initiate a robust, fresh defense relationship founded on our shared values.”

The move towards closer ties coincides with NATO’s evaluation of the extensive costs required to strengthen Europe’s aging defense infrastructure in response to heightened concerns over Russian aggression following the invasion of Ukraine by Moscow.

Key challenges include deficiencies in air defense systems, long-range missiles, troop levels, ammunition shortages, logistical complexities, and inadequate secure digital communications on the battlefield, as highlighted by NATO officials to Reuters.

The declaration on Wednesday outlines commitments by Britain and Germany to nurture Europe’s defense industrial base, promote joint procurement initiatives, and collaborate on research and development to enhance production and innovation.

Under the “Deep Precision Strike” section, it also discusses “long-term, comprehensive cooperation in the field of long-range capabilities,” with the supply of such weapons to Ukraine considered pivotal in the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed a desire for Britain to enhance cooperation with European allies on defense and security to provide stronger support for Ukraine, a sentiment reiterated during his hosting of the European Political Community meeting last week.

Starmer has also proposed the concept of a UK-EU security pact encompassing various domains such as energy security, supply chains, pandemic response, and migration management.