Enhanced Collaboration in Storm Shadow Missiles and Manufacture: UK and France Strengthen Defense Ties, Creating Job Opportunities in the Process
During French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the UK, a refreshed defence agreement was signed, aiming to bolster nuclear cooperation and jointly develop new missile systems. This partnership is set to replace existing capabilities and strengthen the security of both nations.
Key aspects of the agreement include enhanced nuclear deterrent coordination, missile development, and industrial and technological cooperation.
In terms of nuclear deterrent coordination, both countries will maintain independent nuclear deterrents under national control, but can be coordinated in response to any "extreme threat to Europe." This marks the first public commitment to a joint response capability, reinforcing mutual defence.
The UK and France will jointly develop the next generation of deep-strike and anti-ship missiles to replace the current Storm Shadow cruise missiles. This includes ordering more Storm Shadow missiles in the near term while accelerating work on a replacement system, supporting a sustained missile production effort.
The new partnership also launches a "Entente Industrielle," aimed at making defence cooperation a driver for economic growth. This collaboration sustains approximately 1,300 skilled jobs in the UK and includes major investments in MBDA’s missile production facilities. The partnership also encompasses development of new air-to-air missiles and emerging technologies, such as microwave and radiofrequency weapons.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Macron emphasized that this refreshed defence partnership advances joint military capabilities, supports jobs, and strengthens leadership in Europe. It also sends a clear message of unity and enhanced deterrence to potential adversaries.
In addition to missile and nuclear cooperation, the summit also touched on other shared priorities like supporting Ukraine and managing immigration challenges, underscoring a broad and deepened bilateral security partnership.
The agreement also includes the establishment of the Combined Joint Force, which will enable the UK and France to command a Combined UK/French Corps for the first time, made up of thousands of troops and working side-by-side with NATO allies. This is a crucial step forward in the UK and France stepping up their leadership within NATO.
The new defence industrial cooperation with France will boost the UK's national resilience and ability to deter against attacks. The UK and France are ordering more highly lethal Storm Shadow cruise missiles, and any adversary threatening the vital interests of either nation could be confronted by the strength of their nuclear forces.
The partnership will also focus on the development of high-tech radiofrequency weapons such as microwave weapons and jammers that could be used to shoot down threats like drones and missiles. The UK-led DIAMOND initiative will improve NATO's integrated air and missile defence by ensuring that the different air defence systems across the Alliance operate better and more jointly.
The Combined Joint Force will integrate space and cyber to counter new threats, boosting the abilities of the UK and France's joint forces to quickly respond to developments on the battlefield.
Overall, this agreement marks a significant "reboot" of UK-France defence ties, combining synchronized nuclear deterrence with advanced missile development to enhance collective security and industrial collaboration. The agreements will equip the countries for the decades to come while supporting thousands of UK jobs, and ensure continued support for Ukraine.
The partnership between the UK and France extends beyond nuclear and missile development, also including the establishment of an "Entente Industrielle" aimed at fostering economic growth through defense cooperation. This collaboration encompasses the development of new air-to-air missiles and emerging technologies, such as microwave and radiofrequency weapons, which could potentially be used for countering threats like drones and missiles.
In addition to the focus on technology and education-and-self-development, the new defense agreement also touches upon other shared priorities, like managing immigration challenges and supporting Ukraine. This broadens the bilateral security partnership, reinforcing the unity and enhanced deterrence against potential adversaries. However, it is worth noting that the agreement does not seem to include any substantial involvement in casino-and-gambling activities.
