Britain and Germany’s defense cooperation plans face tough choices

Britain and Germany are advancing defense cooperation plans as U.K. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting visits Berlin, with the two countries weighing joint work on long-range missiles and Germany's potential participation in Britain's fighter jet program. The talks come as both nations face pressure to boost defense spending and deepen European security ties amid ongoing uncertainty over U.S. commitments to NATO. A partnership on the fighter jet program would mark a significant industrial and strategic step for Germany, which has historically favored domestic or Franco-German defense projects. For Britain, German involvement could help spread development costs and strengthen the program's export prospects. Key questions going forward include whether Germany will formally commit to the jet program, how missile co-development responsibilities and industrial benefits would be divided, and what concrete spending or procurement pledges emerge from the visit.