German warplanes to monitor Russian submarines off Scotland
UK-Germany defence pact strengthens European security amid Russian aggression
German warplanes capable of tracking Russian submarines will commence operations off Scotland’s coast next year under a significant defence pact between London and Berlin. The agreement, to be signed by Defence Secretary John Healey and his German counterpart on Wednesday, includes plans for a German company to establish a factory in Britain to produce artillery gun barrels. This marks the first domestic production of such weapons in a decade, a need highlighted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago.
The Trinity House Agreement represents a deepening of UK-German military cooperation. The countries will collaborate on developing advanced long-range missiles, which will surpass the UK-French Storm Shadow cruise missiles in precision and range. Mr Healey hailed the agreement as a “milestone” in UK-German relations, emphasising its significance for European security. He noted that it secures unprecedented cooperation with German armed forces and industry, enhancing shared security and defence industrial bases.
The Ministry of Defence highlighted that the UK and Germany, having increased defence spending in response to Russian aggression in Ukraine, are Europe’s top defence spenders. Despite strong ties with France, the UK is enhancing its defence relationship with Germany. The French military, like the UK’s, is a nuclear power with considerable combat capabilities, a contrast to Germany’s post-World War II stance.
German spy planes will fly from Scotland as early as next year to help the RAF in the hunt for Russian submarines. Our full story here: https://t.co/LP7WEYUP8M
— Larisa Brown (@larisamlbrown) October 23, 2024
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, currently in the UK for the signing, emphasised the importance of the agreement. He stated that joint projects across air, land, sea, and cyber domains would bolster European defence capabilities within NATO. He stressed that European security cannot be taken for granted, citing Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and hybrid attacks on Eastern European partners.
The agreement includes pledges to protect undersea cables and critical infrastructure in the North Sea. The UK and Germany will develop undersea surveillance capabilities, with German P8-Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft operating periodically from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. These aircraft, built by Boeing, are expected to enter German service by 2025 and may eventually be equipped with British torpedoes.
Germany spy planes to hunt Russian submarines from RAF base in Scotland https://t.co/W2WJl2j1uM
— LBC (@LBC) October 23, 2024
Rheinmetall, a German defence company, will open an artillery gun barrel factory in the UK, creating over 400 jobs. The Ministry of Defence described the accord as the first component of a broader UK-Germany treaty pledged by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is the purpose of the German warplanes off Scotland’s coast?
They will track Russian submarines starting next year.
What will the new German factory in Britain produce?
It will produce artillery gun barrels, the first domestic production in a decade.
What is the Trinity House Agreement?
It’s a pact deepening UK-German military cooperation, including advanced missile development and undersea surveillance.
Why are UK and Germany increasing their defence spending?
In response to Russian aggression in Ukraine.
What will the German P8-Poseidon aircraft be used for?
They will conduct undersea surveillance from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.
