(MENAFN) Top British military officials have expressed support for a proposed security arrangement with Germany that could include sharing nuclear capabilities, according to reports.

Senior figures, including a former NATO secretary-general and a previous chief of defense staff, have reportedly encouraged London to initiate discussions with Berlin. They cited the “critical” threat posed by Russia and rising concerns that the United States might reduce its military involvement in Europe.

Germany, which is barred from developing nuclear weapons, is already engaged in strategic talks with France regarding participation in Paris’s nuclear umbrella. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whom Russia has accused of “escalating anti-Russian rhetoric literally every day,” has indicated he might consider a similar arrangement with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

While formal negotiations between London and Berlin have not yet occurred, several defense officials have voiced support for the plan. “It’s right and proper and should have happened a long time ago,” Lord Robertson, a former NATO secretary-general, said. “If Russia continues to deploy nuclear rhetoric, it’s going to force some decisions to be made inside Europe as a whole,” he added.

Britain’s nuclear deterrent, declared to NATO since 1962, remains under UK control, with a Trident-armed submarine always on patrol. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Starmer announced plans to acquire 12 F-35A stealth jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which will be stationed in Britain.

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