Since 2022, Germany’s government has consistently emphasized bilateral and multilateral
defense cooperation, seeking both deeper alliances within Europe and robust engagement
across the globe. The motivations for these agreements are rooted in deterring external
threats, particularly Russian aggression, promoting interoperability, and supporting
democratic allies beyond the European continent.
Key Bilateral Defense Treaties
Germany–United Kingdom
In , the two states signed the
“Kensington Treaty” — their first such agreement since WWII.
- Mutual defense assistance in case of armed attack
- Joint arms export initiatives (notably for Eurofighter and Boxer vehicles)
- Submarine defense cooperation in the Northern Seas
- Collaboration on advanced weapons and cyber defense
- Reflects Europe’s effort to reduce reliance on U.S. military support amid transatlantic uncertainties
Germany–France
Implementation agreement for Odin’s Eye, a new satellite-based early warning
system enhancing missile detection capabilities for European allies, building on longstanding
Franco-German cooperation in defense and technology.
Germany–Japan
A landmark agreement in enables shared fuel and ammunition,
joint exercises, and future collaboration on missile technology and manned/unmanned systems.
- Regular joint air exercises in the Indo-Pacific with Japan and Australia
- Deployment of German warships through strategic Asian maritime routes
Germany–Israel
Germany, Israel’s second-largest arms supplier, recently signed a
$2.3 billion contract for Israeli Spike anti-tank missiles via NATO’s procurement agency.
Since , Berlin has accelerated supplies and expanded cooperation
through joint training and intelligence-sharing initiatives in response to escalating conflicts.
Germany–Netherlands / Poland / Baltic States
- Germany leads the permanent NATO battlegroup in Lithuania — its first overseas base post-WWII
- Multinational agreements with Poland and the Netherlands underpin military corridors for rapid troop deployment on NATO’s eastern flank
- Collaboration on integrated air defense via the Sky Shield Initiative
Germany–South Korea / India / Brazil / Greece
Berlin has signed cooperation treaties and arms deals encompassing equipment supply,
technology transfer, and defense diplomacy, with intelligence-sharing and joint training
that extend engagements well beyond Europe.
Strategic Rationale
The proliferation of bilateral military agreements signifies Germany’s effort to reinforce
European security, support like-minded democracies in Asia and beyond, and counter emerging
threats. These accords help secure strategic transport corridors, develop cutting-edge
technologies, and fortify alliances to maintain peace regionally and globally. The shift toward
broader autonomous European defense reflects concerns over traditional U.S. reliability in NATO
under the current U.S. administration and rapidly changing threat landscapes.
Conclusion
Germany’s worldwide network of bilateral military accords establishes it as a central figure in
shaping modern defense responses. Deep integration with partners both within and outside of Europe
delivers greater operational flexibility, improves collective capabilities, and symbolizes the
ongoing transformation of European security leadership.
