In the framework of the joint development of a new long-range missile with a capacity greater than 2,000 kilometers, the United Kingdom and the Federal Republic of Germany confirmed their decision to advance so that it has “deep precision strike” capability. The announcement is part of the Trinity House Agreement, signed in October 2024 in London, and represents a key step to reinforce NATO’s strategic deterrence, strengthen European security, and boost the defense industries of both countries.
The confirmation was made this Thursday, May 15, in Berlin, during the first meeting of the Ministerial Defense Council of the Trinity House Agreement, led by the German Federal Minister of Defense, Boris Pistorius, and the United Kingdom Secretary of Defense, John Healey. The bilateral cooperation includes not only the development of the new “deep precision strike” system but also agreements linked to the joint acquisition of armaments and technology transfer.
In this regard, Secretary Healey stated that “The United Kingdom and Germany have never been closer, and the Trinity House Agreement is already having a positive impact on our security and economy. This collaboration helps us turn defense into a growth engine: it creates jobs, boosts skills, and drives investment in both the United Kingdom and Germany.”
In addition to the missile, both nations will discuss the joint acquisition of Sting Ray torpedoes for their maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare P-8 Poseidon aircraft. Germany also committed to acquiring military bridges of British origin. This collaboration takes place in an increasingly tense geopolitical context, with strong support for NATO’s eastern flank and a firm commitment to the defense of Ukraine. Since the signing of the Trinity House Agreement, German crews have participated alongside the RAF in maritime patrol flights, strengthening operational cooperation between both countries.
The joint development of the new long-range missile stands as one of the most ambitious defense projects of the United Kingdom in recent decades, aligned with the recent announcement by the British Prime Minister to raise defense spending to 2.5% of GDP. The cooperation agenda will continue in the coming weeks with multilateral meetings, including the meeting of Defense Ministers of the European Group of Five (E5) in Rome and a new session of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which will be co-chaired by the United Kingdom and Germany in June.
*Images used for illustrative purposes
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