10 years ago today, UK and France signed two landmark Treaties on defence cooperation, which I coordinated as National Security Adviser. Here’s my view of what has been achieved (a mixed picture) and the prospects (much of the momentum has been lost) 1/4 rusi.org/commentary/fra…
One Treaty made a 50 year commitment to nuclear cooperation. The two countries are sharing a single facility (in Burgundy) for testing their warhead designs using advanced simulation. Saves each side money, and sends a powerful message of confidence in long-term partnership 2/4
The second treaty enabled much closer operational cooperation between the armed forces. This has been a success story. UK and France now have a Combined Joint Expeditionary Force trained to fight together. Exchanges of personnel and regular exercises have forged strong links. 3/4
The failure has been joint equipment projects. High hopes of a Fr-British drone have been dashed. Brexit has changed the game. France is pursuing European strategic autonomy and a Fr-Ge fast jet. The UK has its competing Tempest project. Apart from a joint missile, nothing 4/4
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