London visited for the first time by Merz, as post-Brexit relations continue to heat up
On July 17, 2025, a groundbreaking defense and cooperation treaty between the United Kingdom and Germany was signed, marking the deepest post-Brexit security partnership between the two nations. The treaty, which includes a mutual defense pact, weapons development, military aid, defense exports, security cooperation, and economic collaboration, aims to strengthen European defense and bolster the UK and European defense sectors.
The mutual defense pact, a key component of the treaty, commits both countries to joint action if either faces a security threat. This pledge reinforces their existing NATO obligations and signifies enhanced bilateral cooperation in defense.
One of the most significant aspects of the treaty is the joint creation of a long-range missile system, called the Deep Precision Strike capability, with a range exceeding 2,000 km. This system aims to reinforce NATO deterrence and enhance European defense capabilities while creating significant industrial investment opportunities.
The treaty also underscores continued support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts, reflecting shared security interests. It includes cooperation on defense exports, with announcements of deals involving iconic British and German military hardware such as Boxer armored vehicles and Typhoon fighter jets. This partnership is projected to generate billions of pounds in defense exports and create thousands of highly skilled jobs in the UK defense sector.
Beyond military hardware, the treaty includes commitments to tackle illicit activities such as smuggling and illegal migration, strengthening law enforcement collaboration between both nations. It also includes provisions to improve train connections between the two countries and simplify border procedures for school trips, with the aim of improving citizens' contacts.
The treaty is historic, being the first of its kind between Germany and the UK since World War II, and sets the foundation for a strengthened European defense order shaped by two of Europe's largest military powers.
In addition, a new UK-Germany Business Forum will be established, with several German companies poised to announce new investment in Britain. The treaty also includes commitments to tackle issues related to irregular migration, a key domestic priority for both leaders.
This treaty marks a significant step in post-Brexit UK-German relations, enhancing strategic collaboration in defense and security over the coming decade. The visit by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the first since he assumed office, follows a state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, the first by an EU head of state since the UK left the bloc five years ago.
Furthermore, Eurostar has plans to launch a new route from London to Frankfurt in the early 2030s, which would be the first such direct connection between the UK and Germany. The treaty will commit to these improvements in train connections, reflecting a broader commitment to strengthening economic ties.
In summary, the treaty combines:
- Mutual Defense: Joint pledge to defend each other in case of external threats, reinforcing NATO deterrence. - Weapons Development: Joint creation of a long-range missile system (Deep Precision Strike) with 2,000+ km range. - Military Aid: Continued support for Ukraine, procurement of Boxer armored vehicles and Typhoon jets. - Defense Exports: Joint export campaigns to boost defense industry growth and jobs. - Security Cooperation: Collaboration on tackling smuggling and illegal migration. - Economic Collaboration: Investment in defense industry capabilities and technological innovation.
This treaty is expected to pave the way for greater defense cooperation, including in weapons development and operations on NATO's eastern flank. It represents a new era of post-Brexit partnership between the UK and Germany, promising a more secure and economically interconnected future for both nations.
- Emmanuel Macron, the French President, recently visited the UK, marking the first state visit by an EU head of state since the UK left the bloc five years ago.
- One of the significant aspects of the UK-Germany defense and cooperation treaty is the joint creation of a long-range missile system, known as the Deep Precision Strike capability, which aims to reinforce NATO deterrence and enhance European defense capabilities.
- A direct result of the treaty, German companies are poised to announce new investments in the UK's business sector, particularly in real-estate, technology, and finance.
- The treaty also addresses policy-and-legislation and crime-and-justice issues, committing both countries to collaboration on tackling illicit activities such as smuggling and illegal migration.
- In terms of business investing, the treaty will create numerous opportunities, especially in sectors like artificial intelligence, which is mentioned as one of the key areas for technological innovation.
- The treaty's provisions emphasize the importance of artificial intelligence in enhancing the capabilities of the defense industry, in addition to strengthening military aid and defense exports, further consolidating the UK and European defense sectors.
- The UK-Germany Business Forum, a new entity established under the treaty, aims to foster cooperation between the two nations in various sectors, from defense to general news, to ensure a more secure and economically interconnected future.
