European defence cooperation increasingly centres on joint capability development between allied nations. Programmes linking industrial expertise, research and procurement are being used to strengthen deterrence and improve interoperability across NATO partners.
The UK and Germany have reviewed progress on their joint Deep Precision Strike missile programme during defence talks in Berlin on 16 March 2026. The meeting between UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard and Germany’s State Secretary for Armament and Innovation Jens Plötner examined cooperation on developing long-range missile capabilities. The programme is intended to strengthen defence cooperation and contribute to national security and deterrence.
Discussions focused on the joint development of Deep Precision Strike missiles. The programme is part of defence cooperation between the UK and Germany and builds on previous agreements between both governments.
UK and Germany Defence Talks in Berlin
The meeting between Luke Pollard and Jens Plötner examined cooperation on defence equipment and capability development. Officials discussed progress on the Deep Precision Strike missile initiative and wider collaboration between the two countries.
The talks were held within the framework of the Defence Bilateral Ministerial Group on Equipment and Capability Cooperation. The meeting addressed collaboration between the UK and Germany on long-range strike capabilities and defence industry cooperation.
- Bilateral meeting held in Berlin between UK and German defence officials
- Discussion focused on joint missile capability development
- Programme linked to wider defence equipment cooperation
Deep Precision Strike Missile Programme
The programme aims to develop long-range missile capabilities capable of travelling more than 2,000 kilometres. According to the Ministry of Defence, the missiles are expected to enter service in the 2030s.
The initiative will initially focus on ground-launched systems. The programme will also explore potential air and naval capabilities as part of a wider family of stealth cruise and hypersonic weapons.
Missile Programme Overview
| Programme | Deep Precision Strike missile development |
| Participating countries | United Kingdom and Germany |
| Range capability | More than 2,000 kilometres |
| Operational timeframe | Expected to enter service in the 2030s |
| Initial focus | Ground-launched missile capability |
Defence Cooperation Under Trinity House Agreement
The discussions form part of broader defence cooperation between the UK and Germany. Officials said the work builds on the Trinity House Agreement signed by both nations in October 2024.
The agreement supports collaboration on defence technology and capability development. According to the Ministry of Defence, the cooperation framework remains open for additional partners to participate in the future.
- Programme builds on the Trinity House Agreement signed in 2024
- Defence cooperation supports joint capability development
- Partnership framework remains open for other countries to join
Future Capabilities and Operational Scope
The missile programme is intended to support long-range deterrence and operational flexibility. Initial development work is centred on ground-launched capabilities as part of the joint programme.
Officials also indicated that the wider capability family may explore air- and sea-launched options. These systems are being considered within the programme’s broader technological development.
Defence Investment and Industrial Collaboration
The Ministry of Defence linked the programme to wider defence investment and industrial cooperation between the two countries. Officials said collaboration between defence industries supports research, development and manufacturing activity.
The UK government has also outlined broader defence spending commitments connected to capability development. The programme forms part of wider efforts to strengthen defence readiness and cooperation with international partners.
Defence Investment Commitments
| UK defence spending | Target of 2.6% of GDP from 2027 |
| Additional funding | £5 billion for defence in the current financial year |
| Parliamentary investment | £270 billion defence investment across the parliament |
| Industrial cooperation | Joint UK-Germany development of long-range strike capability |
Stakeholder Comments
Ministerial Comments
Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry said;
“The UK-Germany relationship is incredibly strong, and we’ve marked a step forward in our work to develop cutting-edge missile capabilities.
We are not only arming our military personnel with the best weaponry to act as the strongest possible deterrent to our adversaries, but in doing so we are also building the industrial foundations that will keep both nations at the forefront of defence technology, making us secure at home and strong abroad.”
In a Nutshell
The discussions in Berlin form part of ongoing cooperation between the UK and Germany on defence capability development. The Deep Precision Strike missile programme combines research, industrial collaboration and equipment planning between the two countries.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the initiative supports joint efforts to develop long-range strike capability while strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and operational readiness.
Sources: Ministry of Defence and Luke Pollard MP.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
