Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft join Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024 26072024 CREDIT RAF.jpg — The P-8 Poseidon is capable of carrying the Sting Ray torpedo, a weapon originally used by the Royal Navy (Picture: RAF).

RAF

UK and Germany commit to procuring torpedoes and new long-range strike weapon

The UK and Germany have confirmed they will work together to develop a new long-range precision strike capability as a way for both countries to step up European security.

It is the first time the development of the weapon, which has a range of over 2,000 km, has been confirmed - with the weapon to be amongst the most advanced systems ever designed in the UK.

German defence minister Boris Pistorius hosted Defence Secretary John Healey in the first Trinity House Defence Ministerial Council in Berlin.

The discussions are focusing on a joint procurement programme for Sting Ray torpedoes for P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.

This will allow the UK and Germany to counter the latest underwater threats.

Watch: Take a closer look at the RAF's multi-role maritime P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft

Mr Healey said the two countries had never been closer, and the Trinity House Agreement was already having a positive impact on both the UK's security and economy.

"In a more dangerous world, Nato and European allies stand united," he said.

"Together with Germany, we're leading the way in supporting Ukraine, defending Nato's eastern flank and jointly investing in next-generation capabilities."

The landmark Trinity House agreement has already reinforced Nato deterrence and will boost both the UK and European defence sectors.

It also marks the first-of-its-kind bilateral defence agreement between the UK and Germany.

Since the Trinity House Agreement was signed in October, German crews have joined RAF personnel in two flights on RAF P-8 Poseidon aircraft.

The RAF's Poseidon fleet is crucial to tracking Russian vessels near UK waters.