UK-Germany Trinity House Agreement on Defence - Joint Communique

In July of this year, the defense ministries of Germany and the United Kingdom agreed to strengthen and deepen their cooperation in defense matters. Their goal is to effectively address shared challenges in the 21st century and safeguard the defense interests of both nations. They highlighted growing security risks, particularly due to Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine, and emphasized the need for a coordinated response to maintain security in Europe.

As we tackle these difficulties alongside our Allies and partners, we are driven by common principles of democracy, liberty, and the rule of law. Understanding the need for stronger cooperation in response to changing geopolitical issues and mutual security risks, we strive to enhance stability along NATO's eastern border, across Europe, and throughout the Euro-Atlantic region. Strategic defense collaboration serves as a crucial foundation for the new partnership between Germany and the United Kingdom, which will be formalized in the upcoming bilateral agreement set for 2025.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, we have swiftly developed a response through this groundbreaking defense agreement between our two nations. Our shared goal is to maintain effective deterrence against potential threats by building strong, reliable defense forces and industries, all while aiming for a peaceful and stable Euro-Atlantic region. This agreement will play a vital role in the larger framework of European security; it is specifically intended to assist our Allies and enhance Europe's role in NATO. Moreover, it complements our existing bilateral agreements with France, paving the way for closer cooperation among the E3 nations.

This agreement has allowed us to concentrate our efforts, allocate resources, and pursue our goals with greater determination. These goals include bolstering our defense industries, enhancing security across Europe and North America, improving interoperability, tackling new threats, aiding Ukraine, and developing advanced precision strike capabilities. Along with implementing new governance frameworks, we will actualize these goals through the establishment of significant flagship projects that will symbolize a new era of collaboration and integration among our armed forces.

Enhanced Precision Strike and Defense: The UK and Germany are collaborating to swiftly create advanced Deep Precision Strike capabilities, aiming to establish a conventional deterrent in Europe and bolster Integrated Air and Missile Defense across the continent. In the near future, we plan to achieve this by:

And in the coming months through:

Unmanned Aerial Systems and Future Connectivity: The UK and Germany are collaborating closely with their allies and partners to create and utilize Unmanned Aerial and Offboard Air Systems. This effort aims to guarantee seamless communication and functionality among Future Combat Air Systems. In the near future, we will achieve this by:

In the medium term by means of:

Enhancing the Eastern Front with a New Ground Strategy Partnership: The UK and Germany are set to bolster NATO by leveraging our Forward Land Forces and our long-term dedication to the eastern front. Together, we will focus on improving NATO through the development of strategies, unmanned systems, and support capabilities aimed at transforming our ground forces and ensuring consistent land-based deterrence across Europe. In the short term, we will achieve this by:

And in the near future by means of:

### Collaboration Beneath the Waves in Northern Waters The UK and Germany are set to enhance their naval collaboration, particularly in the North Atlantic and North Sea regions. The goal is to create a clear and detailed understanding of underwater activities, which will play a crucial role in safeguarding vital undersea infrastructure and shipping routes. To achieve this, we plan to take immediate steps, including:

And in the intermediate future by:

Furthermore, we are dedicated to collaborating for as long as necessary to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression. Our resolve is firm, and we will persist in ensuring that Ukraine has the military strength it needs. Our specialized teams and defense industries will work ever more closely together to make certain that Ukraine triumphs and secures a just and lasting peace. In the immediate future, we will jointly enhance Ukraine's offensive capabilities by equipping the German-donated Sea King helicopters with advanced missile systems. Looking ahead, we will strengthen our cooperation through Capability Coalitions for Ukraine, applying the insights gained to continually improve our partnership. The UK will boost its support for the Armour Coalition led by Germany and Poland, while Germany will assist the drone coalition led by the UK and Latvia.

With our established processes, improved communication, and stronger political commitment, we are set to foster collaboration for many years ahead. We will routinely assess our plans and partnerships. Our aspirations will continually grow to address future challenges, no matter where they arise—on land, at sea, in the air, in space, or in the digital realm. This includes threats posed by malicious individuals as well as those stemming from natural disasters or climate change.

We will tackle these challenges in every area and among all branches of our Armed Forces and joint organizations. Collaboration in Cyber, Communications, and Information Systems will be essential, serving as the foundation and linking element necessary to undertake this extensive initiative.

UK-Germany Trinity House Defense Agreement