(MENAFN) Senior British military officials have reportedly endorsed the idea of a new security agreement with Germany that could involve sharing nuclear capabilities, The Telegraph reported Saturday.

Former NATO secretary-general Lord Robertson and other defense leaders urged London to explore talks with Berlin, citing Russia’s “critical” threat and concerns the US might reduce its role in European security.

Germany, banned from developing its own nuclear arsenal, is already in strategic discussions with France about joining Paris’s nuclear umbrella. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has indicated he may consider a similar arrangement with the UK under Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

While formal talks between London and Berlin have not begun, some officials voiced support.

Lord Robertson said such a pact “should have happened a long time ago,” warning that ongoing Russian nuclear rhetoric could force Europe to make strategic decisions.

Britain currently maintains its nuclear deterrent independently, with one Trident-armed submarine always on patrol. Starmer recently announced plans to acquire 12 F-35A stealth jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

Not all officials are convinced: retired General Sir Richard Barrons said collective launch decisions could be impractical under time pressure, while Field Marshal Lord Houghton suggested Europe should explore broader nuclear options but questioned whether it would be “a good thing or madness.” Defense sources noted that any nuclear-sharing plan remains “a long way” off.

Russia has dismissed claims that it intends to attack NATO, describing its nuclear posture as defensive.

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