France, Germany And Britain Team Up To Develop Hypersonic Missiles
- 22.05.2026, 22:17
Paris has expressed interest in engaging Berlin and London in the initiative.
France is ready to join Britain and Germany's program to develop long-range missiles to bolster Europe's defenses.
This is reported by Financial Times.
Paris has expressed interest in participating in an initiative by Berlin and London to develop a long-range precision strike system.
According to five sources, the discussions are part of a broader Franco-German defense dialogue. Trilateral talks could take place as early as early June.
The project, launched by Britain and Germany in 2024 as part of the Trinity House agreement, envisions a family of land-based missiles with a range of over 2,000 kilometers, capable of hitting targets deep inside Russian territory.
Interest in speeding up development has intensified amid changes in US policy. After Donald Trump canceled a plan to deploy a battalion of Tomahawk missiles in Germany, European countries have stepped up their own defense initiatives.
At the moment, Europe has mainly missiles with a range of about 300 kilometers that are launched from the air or sea, which limits their use in a potential high-intensity conflict.
The growing role of land-based missiles is explained by the fact that Russia is actively using such systems in Ukraine and deploying long-range weapons in Kaliningrad The initial phase of the project is focused on ground-based platforms.
The French side sees participation in the project as a way to strengthen its own defense doctrine.
President Emmanuel Macron has previously said that the development of long-range conventional weapons could be an important addition to France's nuclear deterrent.
French officials estimate that participation in the program would narrow the gap between nuclear and conventional deterrents and speed up the development of new systems.
The discussions involve some of Europe's largest defense companies, including MBDA and the startup Hypersonica.
ArianeGroup, which could provide rocket booster technology, is also being considered.
It is expected that the new missiles could be operational in the early 2030s and would be among the most technologically sophisticated weapons systems in Europe.
Despite support from Berlin, concerns remain in London about expanding the project.
Some officials believe that the involvement of a new partner could complicate the program because of differences in approach and defense industry interests.
At the same time, Europe already has successful experience of joint development, including the Storm Shadow/SCALP missile system developed by France and the UK.