German military to use RAF base in Britain as Labour signs new defence pact with Berlin
Germany will be allowed to use an RAF base in mainland Britain under a new agreement being signed today in response to rising tensions with Russia.
P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft will “periodically” operate out of RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, potentially armed with UK-supplied torpedoes, helping to secure the North Atlantic.
As part of the UK-Germany Trinity House Agreement, close relations with European allies, particularly on defence and security measures.
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “The Trinity House Agreement is a milestone moment in our relationship with Germany, and a major strengthening of Europe’s security.
“It secures unprecedented levels of new co-operation with the German armed forces and industry, bringing benefits to our shared security and prosperity, protecting our shared values and boosting our defence industrial bases.
“This landmark agreement delivers on the Government’s manifesto commitment to strike a new defence relationship with Germany – less than four months since winning the election in July – and we will build on this new co-operation in the months and years ahead.
“I pay tribute to our negotiating teams who have worked hard at pace to deliver this.”
German defence minister Boris Pistorius said: “We must not take security in Europe for granted. Russia is waging war against Ukraine, it is increasing its weapons production immensely and has repeatedly launched hybrid attacks on our partners in eastern Europe.
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“With the Trinity House Agreement, we are showing that the Nato allies have recognised what these times require and are determined to improve their deterrence and defence capabilities.
“As it lays the foundation for future projects, the Trinity House Agreement is an important contribution to this.
“It is particularly important to me that we co-operate even more closely to strengthen Nato’s eastern flank and to close critical capability gaps, for instance in the field of long-range strike weapons.”
The first artillery gun barrels using the Yorkshire steel are expected to be produced in 2027. Other measures will see co-operation to strengthen Nato’s eastern flank and extra support for Ukraine, including work on equipping German Sea King helicopters with modern missile systems for use by Kyiv’s forces.
It comes as South Korean lawmakers said North Korea has sent 3,000 troops to Russia after being briefed by the national intelligence agency, twice the amount of a previous estimate.
Pyongyang had promised to provide a total around 10,000 troops, and their deployment was expected to be completed by December, the lawmakers told journalists. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied reports about North Korean soldiers heading to the battlefield which have also been made by Ukraine.
On Saturday US Defense Secretary Loyd Austin said he could not confirm reports that North Korea had sent troops to Russia ahead of what could be a deployment to the war in Ukraine, but added that such a move would be concerning, if true.