German and British defense ministers held their first ministerial council in Berlin on Thursday following last year's agreement to deepen military cooperation. The meeting comes as NATO allies face growing security challenges, including Russia's war in Ukraine and shifting U.S. priorities.
"Today's meeting demonstrates that we not only agree on key projects but are implementing them swiftly and jointly," said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
The talks took place amid heightened diplomatic tensions. NATO foreign ministers gathered in Turkey to discuss a U.S. proposal for increased defense spending, while Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's offer for direct talks in Istanbul. Despite this, representatives from both nations are expected to hold their first face-to-face discussions in years.
UK Defense Secretary John Healey criticized Putin’s refusal to engage in dialogue.
"Today exposes Putin for what he is," Healey said. "He claims to want peace but rejects a ceasefire. He says he aims to end the fighting, yet continues to strike Ukrainian civilians and cities. And while he calls for talks, he fails to attend the very conference he demanded in Istanbul."
Meanwhile, the European Union announced plans to double heavy-caliber ammunition deliveries to Ukraine in 2024.
"The goal is to deliver 2 million rounds of heavy-caliber ammunition this year—double last year's amount," said Robert Brieger, Chairman of the EU Military Committee, following a meeting of defense chiefs in Brussels.
Brieger stated the EU is encouraging member states to ramp up production through financial incentives and partnerships with Ukraine’s defense industry. He also highlighted concerns over Russia’s "shadow fleet" in the Black Sea, noting the bloc must bolster its naval resources to counter maritime threats.
"Existing operations in the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean are already stretched thin," Brieger said. "Any new mission would require careful planning to ensure sufficient ships, aircraft, and resources."
In a significant step toward closer defense integration, Britain and Germany will jointly develop a long-range precision strike weapon with a range exceeding 2,000 kilometers. The project builds on a 2023 bilateral defense pact aimed at strengthening Europe’s military capabilities amid uncertainty over U.S. commitments under a potential second Trump administration.
"In a more dangerous world, NATO and European allies stand united," Healey said. "This partnership will drive growth, create jobs, and boost investment in both nations."
Further details on the weapon’s budget and timeline were not disclosed. The ministers also discussed joint torpedo procurement and finalized Germany’s purchase of British-made military bridges.
The deepening collaboration reflects Europe’s push for greater self-reliance as global security dynamics shift.