Germany and France are planning a significant joint nuclear exercise later this year amidst escalating tensions with Russia. This announcement follows a high-level meeting between the French and German governments. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz revealed that German conventional forces will participate in a French military nuclear exercise. A strategic steering group will continue to examine future deterrence strategies with a focus on Russia. This initiative complements Germany's existing nuclear participation and deterrence within NATO. The exercise is planned for the autumn and its exact form is still being clarified. France is increasingly taking a leading role in European nuclear deterrence, a position previously held by the United States. French President Emmanuel Macron stressed the absurdity of individual European nations accumulating capabilities separately during rearmament. German troops will play a conventional supporting role and will not control French nuclear weapons. Germany will also contribute to developing systems for missile detection. This collaboration signifies a step forward in the defense partnership between the two nations.