Getty Images
UK Defence Secretary John Healey and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius in July
The UK and Germany are set to sign a significant defence agreement to enhance security, investment, and job opportunities, according to the UK government.
As part of the agreement, German defense company Rheinmetall will establish a new factory in the UK to produce barrels for artillery guns, creating 400 jobs.
Collaboration between the two countries will involve the development of drones and a new long-range missile.
Additionally, German maritime surveillance aircraft will conduct patrols of the North Atlantic from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.
This move by the government is part of a broader effort to strengthen relations with key European allies post-Brexit, as promised by the Labour party.
German Ambassador to the UK, Miguel Berger, highlighted the European Commission’s focus on defense in the coming years and emphasized the potential for UK involvement.
The UK already has a defense pact with France, known as the Lancaster House Treaty, but the new agreement with Germany marks a significant step in military cooperation.
Both Germany and the UK are major defense spenders in Europe and play a significant role in supporting Ukraine’s military efforts.
Describing it as a “milestone moment,” Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the closer ties that will be established between the two countries’ military and defense industries.
The UK and Germany are already collaborating within the NATO alliance, and are jointly producing new tanks and armored vehicles for the British Army.
PA Media
Sheffield Forgemasters’ Forge Shop will provide steel for the new factory in the UK manufacturing barrels for artillery guns
Under the Trinity House Agreement, Rheinmetall will construct a factory in the UK to produce artillery gun barrels, utilizing British steel from Sheffield Forgemasters.
The factory’s location has not been disclosed yet, but it is expected to create over 400 jobs and commence production in 2027.
The agreement also includes the development of a new long-range missile that is more precise and has a longer range than existing systems.
Cooperation between the UK and Germany will extend to the development of drones that could operate alongside Typhoon jets.
German P8 maritime surveillance aircraft will be deployed from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland to aid in patrolling the North Atlantic.
Both countries have committed to enhancing the defense of NATO’s eastern flank, with troops already stationed in the Baltic states.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized that the agreement will strengthen Europe and NATO, while also being open to other partners.