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The United Kingdom and Germany have officially announced plans to jointly develop a cutting-edge long-range strike capability with a range exceeding 2,000 kilometres, marking a major step forward in strengthening European security and driving economic growth in both nations.
The announcement follows the signing of the landmark Trinity House Agreement on Defence Cooperation last October in London – the first bilateral defence pact of its kind between the UK and Germany.
Germany’s Federal Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius, is hosting UK Defence Secretary John Healey MP in Berlin today for the inaugural Trinity House Defence Ministerial Council. The meeting will focus on the early successes of the agreement, including increased deterrence on NATO’s eastern flank and the creation of skilled jobs and investment at home.
The new precision deep-strike system will be one of the most advanced weapons platforms ever designed by the UK, aimed at protecting British and European interests while reinforcing NATO’s collective deterrence posture. It also represents a significant boost for the UK and European defence industries.
Among the key topics of discussion will be a proposed joint procurement program for Sting Ray torpedoes, to equip P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. This initiative aims to enhance both countries’ ability to counter modern underwater threats and bolster their national security.
Germany is also set to procure advanced British-made military bridges, in a move that supports the UK government’s “Plan for Change” – backing skilled manufacturing jobs, particularly in north-west England.
Speaking ahead of the talks, Defence Secretary John Healey said, “The UK and Germany have never been closer, and the Trinity House Agreement is already having a tangible impact on both our security and economies.
“This partnership is turning defence into a driver of growth – creating jobs, building skills and attracting investment across both nations. In an increasingly dangerous world, NATO and European allies are standing together. With Germany, we are at the forefront of support for Ukraine, the defence of NATO’s eastern flank, and investment in the next generation of capabilities.”
The announcement comes in the wake of the British Prime Minister’s recent commitment to raise defence spending to 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product – a recognition of the growing importance of military readiness amid global instability.
Since the Trinity House Agreement was signed, German military personnel have joined UK RAF crews for flights aboard the UK’s P-8 Poseidon aircraft – a key platform in monitoring Russian naval activity near British waters.
Following this announcement, both ministers will travel to Rome to join their Polish, Italian, and French counterparts for a meeting of the European Group of Five (E5) Defence Ministers.
The UK and Germany are also set to co-host the next Ukraine Defence Contact Group summit in June, alongside over 50 nations and partners. Since taking on leadership of the group, the UK has helped coordinate nearly £23 billion (AU$47.9 billion) in pledged military aid for Ukraine.
The Trinity House Agreement continues to deliver on the government’s Plan for Change, bolstering national security while strengthening the industrial base and generating skilled employment across both countries.
