In response to escalating threats of war from Russia towards Ukraine, the United Kingdom and Germany signed their first comprehensive defense cooperation agreement on Wednesday, October 23. The agreement includes joint development of new weapons, with the new weapons expected to surpass the range and precision of the “Storm Shadow” long-range missile system provided by the UK to Ukraine.
Furthermore, considering the possibility of the Ukrainian conflict escalating further, the UK and Germany also plan to conduct joint military exercises along the eastern borders of NATO to strengthen the defense capabilities of the European borders.
Prior to this, Ukraine and South Korea received intelligence suggesting that North Korea had deployed at least 3,000 troops to three bases in eastern Russia for training and familiarization during the first half of October. There is speculation about the possibility of North Korean troops being trained and later deployed to engage in combat against Ukrainian forces in western Russia, sparking concern among various countries.
The White House and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin confirmed North Korea’s deployment of troops to Russia on October 23.
Subsequently, the UK and Germany issued statements regarding the new defense agreement in response to the situation.
UK Defense Minister John Healey stated during a joint press conference, “I see this (North Korean deployment) as a sign of desperation on the Russian side, and it is a shocking escalation.” He added that it is highly likely that North Korean troops have been sent to Russia, but it is not yet clear if they have been deployed to Ukraine.
Healey emphasized that the previous defense cooperation between the UK and Germany was temporary, and the newly signed agreement is the first comprehensive defense cooperation agreement between the two countries.
Healey stressed the importance of European countries taking a more active role in safeguarding their own security rather than relying on others. He emphasized the UK’s defense focus within NATO, stating, “In an increasingly dangerous world, cooperation among allies is crucial, and we must work together to take on more responsibilities to address challenges.”
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed “considerable concerns” regarding the current situation. He believes that conflicts on the international stage are no longer isolated but intertwined, making it increasingly challenging to solve or alleviate tensions as relationships between countries become closer.
Pistorius pointed out that although the Northern and Baltic countries of Europe had issued warnings when Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, most European countries were not alert. He described the situation as pressing the snooze button, choosing to ignore the threat, while other countries remained vigilant. As a result, Europe lost nearly eight years and must now accelerate its response.
According to the agreement between the UK and Germany, the two countries will enhance cooperation in technology, industry, and military capabilities in land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace operations. They aim to improve the collective combat capabilities of all NATO member countries, long-range precision strike capabilities, and integration of capabilities in multiple operational domains, particularly reinforcing cooperation among NATO European member countries.
Germany’s Rheinmetall, one of the top five arms manufacturers in Europe, plans to establish a factory in the UK specializing in the production of large-caliber gun barrels for artillery pieces such as howitzers or anti-tank guns. This marks the UK’s first resumption of gun barrel production in a decade, with the factory expected to utilize steel materials produced by Sheffield Forgemasters from the UK. Reports indicate that the factory will create 400 job opportunities.
As per the agreement, Germany’s P8 Anti-Submarine Warfare Patrol Aircraft will be stationed periodically at the UK’s Lossiemouth Air Base to enhance joint combat capabilities between the UK and Germany and conduct anti-submarine missions in the North Atlantic. This marks the first time in 30 years that German military aircraft will be stationed in the UK.
Additionally, the two countries will collaborate on the research and production of armored vehicles and land-based drones, as well as outfitting Germany’s Sea King helicopters with a new missile system. Germany has already provided these helicopters to Ukraine to enhance its military capabilities.
The UK and Germany are the two largest countries in terms of defense spending in Europe.
France has expressed support for the new agreement and emphasized that France has bilateral security agreements with both the UK and Germany to collectively uphold security and stability in Europe.