Tri-Service
Unprecedented British-German Military Alliance Announced
The Defence Secretary has announced an unprecedented military alliance between Britain and Germany.
It follows a meeting between Sir Michael Fallon and his German counterpart Ursula von der Leyen.
The two countries have agreed to more joint training exercises and operations.
In a statement Britain’s Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has said:
"Britain stands together with Germany to face the same challenges, including the threat from Daesh, and shares the same values of liberty, tolerance and justice. While the UK is leaving the European Union, our commitment to European security remains steadfast and will continue as a leading member of NATO, the cornerstone of our defence."
German and British troops already work closely together. 130 Pioneer Battalion and their British partners have been worked together for two years, as one of at least 38 existing joint initiatives.
Now, the two countries are to deepen that relationship, with Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters to operate from a German warship for the first time next year as part of a NATO operation in the Mediterranean.
This new alliance is being driven by worsening relations with Russia. In the wake of the Ukraine crisis, the two countries plan to send a task force to Estonia and Lithuania.
Germany has 3,000 military personnel on international missions. Its leading global military role was recognised in Britain’s last Strategic Defence and Security Review.
The move also comes as Britain tries to block the creation of a European Union military force.
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