Strengthening European Security Collaboration: A German-U.K. Defense Deal

In an era of significant global changes, the need for collaboration and cooperation among nations is more crucial than ever. Against the backdrop of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, a groundbreaking report from Germany's Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) foundation and the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) emphasizes the importance of enhanced defense cooperation between the United Kingdom and Germany. This blog post explores the key findings of the report, highlighting the potential benefits of a U.K.-German defense and security agreement in strengthening NATO and ensuring the safety of both countries.

The Need for Enhanced Defense Cooperation:

In light of the illegal invasion of Ukraine, the report emphasizes the urgency for the United Kingdom and Germany to bolster defense cooperation to fortify European security. The FES-RUSI report, commissioned in 2021 prior to the conflict, outlines 19 recommendations aimed at fostering closer collaboration between the two nations. These recommendations include the development of a bilateral treaty, joint procurement projects, and increased cooperation between the U.K. Armed Forces and the German Bundeswehr in operations and training.

Unleashing the Potential:

The United Kingdom and Germany possess compatible military forces, collaborative industries, and shared values, providing a solid foundation for closer cooperation. Both nations have a history of joint operations and exercises, with British bases in Germany fostering a deep understanding between their armed forces. However, the report highlights that collaboration between the U.K. and Germany remains underdeveloped compared to their relationships with other major allies.

Learning from Successful Models:

The U.K. and France established the Lancaster House Treaties in 2010, which paved the way for increased defense cooperation through technology sharing, joint procurement, and the creation of the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force. Similarly, Germany and France have committed to comprehensive cooperation under the 2020 Aachen Treaty. However, the U.K. and Germany lack a treaty-based security relationship.

Systematic Collaboration for Greater Impact:

The absence of a formal security relationship between the U.K. and Germany has resulted in ad hoc collaboration rather than a systematic approach. While instances of cooperation can be found in areas such as joint operations and fighter jet programs, the scale of collaboration is limited. To illustrate, only 28 German personnel are currently training in the U.K., while a mere six U.K. personnel are training in Germany. Establishing a more structured and systematic defense partnership is essential for maximizing the potential of collaboration.

Harnessing Industrial Collaboration:

Joint procurement programs serve as a vital aspect of military cooperation, facilitating technology sharing and cost-effectiveness. Notably, projects like the multinational Tornado and Eurofighter jets have contributed to maintaining Europe's security. Similarly, the British Army's Boxer armored vehicle program benefits from German expertise while being built in the U.K. Despite the potential for increased industrial collaboration, there is currently only one bilateral defense procurement program between the U.K. and Germany, alongside eight multilateral projects involving both nations.

Important Q&A:

1. Why is a German-U.K. defense deal important for European security?

Answer: A German-U.K. defense deal is crucial for European security as it strengthens the collective defense capabilities of the region. By collaborating closely, Germany and the United Kingdom can fortify NATO, address evolving security challenges, and ensure the safety of both countries. The deal provides a framework for joint operations, training, and enhanced cooperation, fostering stability in Europe.

2. What are the potential benefits of closer defense cooperation between Germany and the United Kingdom?

    Answer: Closer defense cooperation between Germany and the United Kingdom brings numerous benefits. It enables technology sharing, joint procurement, and cost-effectiveness, leading to stronger military capabilities. The collaboration fosters a deeper understanding between armed forces, facilitates coordinated responses to security threats, and contributes to the overall defense of Europe. By pooling resources and expertise, both countries can unlock the full potential of their collaboration.

3. How does a German-U.K. defense deal compare to other security relationships in Europe?

Answer: While other European nations, such as France, have established formal security relationships, a German-U.K. defense deal is currently lacking. This creates an opportunity for enhanced collaboration. By learning from successful models like the Lancaster House Treaties between the U.K. and France, and the 2020 Aachen Treaty between Germany and France, a German-U.K. defense deal can leverage existing frameworks and forge a comprehensive, treaty-based security relationship. Such a partnership would strengthen European security and contribute to the stability of the region.

Conclusion:

The report from FES and RUSI underscores the critical importance of a U.K.-German defense and security agreement to strengthen European security, bolster NATO, and ensure the safety of both countries. By heeding the recommendations put forth, such as developing a bilateral treaty and expanding joint procurement programs, the U.K. and Germany can unlock the full potential of their collaboration. Together, they can navigate the complex challenges of the evolving global landscape, fostering stability and security in Europe.