Franco-German deterrence exercises and defence cooperation planning (osw.waw.pl)

• Defence Council meeting at Nörvenich on 17 July, co-chaired by Macron and Merz.
• First forward deterrence exercises conducted; focus on aerial refuelling.
• Defence industrial cooperation continues despite FCAS cancellation and industry conflicts.

"On 17 July, the Franco-German Defence and Security Council met at Nörvenich Air Base. Macron and Merz reaffirmed positions on Ukraine and Iran and agreed to deepen military cooperation, including joint exercises with the Franco-German Brigade and Multinational Corps Northeast in Szczecin. They also committed to develop long-range strike capabilities (ELSA) and space/cyber capabilities (JEWEL, French launchers for German satellites). The first exercise under Macron's forward deterrence concept took place, limited to aerial refuelling. The talks aimed to ease tensions after the FCAS cancellation, while defence industrial divergences persist."