GERMANY CONSIDERS FUNDING TRIDENT – Berlin could help bolster Britain’s nuclear deterrent as Europe reduces US reliance
Berlin is considering offering financial support for Trident as it spearheads efforts to reinforce Europe’s nuclear umbrella.
One well-placed source said Germany wanted to better integrate itself into the existing British and French nuclear deterrents rather than pursue its own bomb because of the nation’s wartime guilt.
The discussions between Paris, Berlin and London have accelerated in recent months amid fears the Trump administration will withdraw its military from Europe. European nations are rapidly trying to bolster their defences against the looming threat from Russia.
Last week, Moscow deployed a warship armed with cruise and hypersonic missiles close to a German island in the Baltic Sea.
Fears about European security will only be heightened after John Ratcliffe, the CIA director, made an unannounced visit to Moscow for talks with Russian military intelligence counterparts this week. The brief visit coincided with a US intelligence report warning that Russia might soon attempt to attack a Nato ally to test the alliance’s resolve.
German officials envisage several forms of practical support for the UK’s nuclear programme. Berlin believes they could help construct the next generation of submarines, contribute to missile development, or assist with uranium enrichment for future warheads.
A German manufacturer has prior experience building submarines for Israel’s covert nuclear deterrent.
