Two major developments signal Europe’s shift toward strategic autonomy: a landmark Franco-British nuclear cooperation deal and the creation of a multinational headquarters for a 32-country coalition backing Ukraine. Both steps show Europe moving away from dependence on U.S. leadership and building its own defense structures.
The first breakthrough came when France and the UK agreed to coordinate responses to nuclear threats—a dramatic departure from France’s long-standing refusal to share nuclear policy. Paris had previously rejected NATO’s nuclear-sharing and declined to join the Nuclear Planning Group. Now, a new joint oversight body, co-chaired by both governments, will guide cooperation in policy, capabilities, and operations.
London stressed that “no conceivable threat to Europe would not trigger a response from both nations.” This suggests that, for the first time, Britain’s and France’s deterrent forces could act in tandem. Potential cooperation may even extend to retrofitting nuclear submarines to keep more platforms at sea.
The two countries are also collaborating on advanced weapons programs, including long-range and air-to-air missiles, microwave systems, drone jammers, missile defense, and AI-powered strike coordination. With only about 300 warheads each, France and the UK cannot replace U.S. extended deterrence, but closer integration raises the threshold for adversaries like Russia.
The second major step is the launch of a permanent three-star multinational headquarters in Paris—rotating to London after a year—to direct the 32-nation coalition supporting Ukraine. This HQ institutionalizes the group, enabling flexible contributions and long-term planning. Operational concepts already include post-ceasefire peacekeeping, with a Kyiv-based coordination unit led by a British officer.
The coalition has outlined three main missions:
- Rebuilding Ukraine’s ground forces with logistics, weapons, and training.
- Protecting airspace by flying coalition aircraft alongside Ukraine’s Air Force.
- Securing maritime access by strengthening the Black Sea Task Force for demining and port protection.
Significantly, this coalition functions outside NATO and without direct U.S. leadership, giving Europe a forum to coordinate among themselves and with Indo-Pacific partners. The U.S., initially distant, has begun re-engaging, with envoys and senators recently joining a coalition meeting. Still, Europe is increasingly taking on responsibilities Washington once demanded of it.
Together, these two initiatives—Franco-British nuclear coordination and the coalition’s institutionalization—are reshaping Europe’s defense landscape. They may evolve into alternatives to NATO if U.S. commitment wavers, laying the groundwork for a new European security architecture.