France fears Germany could spark nuclear war fears with plan for long-range missile use against Russia
France is holding urgent talks with Germany to clarify its plans for using long-range missiles against Russia amid fears of a nuclear escalation.
France is seeking to align its nuclear strategy with Germany after Berlin revealed undefined plans for using long-range missiles in a potential conflict with Russia.
Six officials cited by the Financial Times said Paris is concerned that attacking Russian targets with conventional weapons could provoke a nuclear response.
A source warned that without clear rules, 'If the Russians don't get the signal right you could get to the nuclear threshold without realising.'
Deep strike capabilities
Germany is leading a rearmament drive across Europe, developing ground-launched missiles with a range of up to 2,000km (1,243 miles).
These weapons would allow Berlin to strike targets deep inside Russian territory, including command centres, logistics sites and ammunition storage facilities.
The move comes as the Ukraine war enters its fifth year and European allies seek to bolster their long-range capabilities.
Germany has committed a defence budget of €780 billion (£652 billion) over the next five years up to 2030.
Nuclear doctrine debate
French officials fear that Russia could hold France responsible for attacks carried out by Germany due to President Emmanuel Macron's policy of 'forward deterrence'.
Macron said in March that forward deterrence would retain its defensive character and distinguish between conventional and nuclear realms.
With forward deterrence, our doctrine will retain its original foundations: its strictly defensive character, the refusal of any nuclear battle, and the total and deliberate distinction between conventional and nuclear realms.
A source told the FT that France has established an 'unspoken' nuclear grammar and vocabulary, but officials want a clear public doctrine to avoid miscalculation.
Allied consultation
Britain is also holding talks with Germany over a joint plan for deep precision strikes and developing long-range weapons with a similar range.
A British official said Germany's strategic culture is 'evolving quickly' and that allies should embrace the change.
Nato is 'conscious' of avoiding a nuclear response from Russia, the official added.
German General Ingo Gerhartz warned last week that allies must consult on deep precision strikes, as Russia will blame the whole alliance for a single country's actions.
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