Andy Burnham’s new government is betting on a “golden age” of Anglo-German defence co-operation, anchored by a £30bn long-range missile project designed to strike deep inside Russia. The move signals a deliberate shift away from the traditional “Franco-German engine” of European leadership, according to sources familiar with Britain’s defence strategy, who say London now views Berlin as essential to countering Vladimir Putin.
At the heart of the partnership is the Deep Precision Strike (DPS) missile programme – a British-led project of 12 allied nations, announced at the Nato summit in Ankara earlier this month, with Germany expected to play a prominent role. With a range exceeding 1,243 miles, the missile is intended to destroy Russian resupply lines and strategic targets. The system is to be delivered by 2034.
“Britain and Germany agree £30bn long-range missile project, marking a 'golden age' of defence co-operation under new PM Andy Burnham.”
The bond between the two countries has been forged through what one UK security source described as a “straightforward” approach to co-operation, a welcome departure for Berlin from the “squabbling and clash of egos” that have marred its relationship with France. “The UK for some years wanted Germany to play a role on defence that it just couldn’t politically, but now that’s changed, there is an enormous sense of opportunity,” the source said. Another source predicted a “renewed push” on deepening ties under Burnham, who became prime minister after the failure of Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Two bilateral treaties – Trinity House and the Kensington agreement – have unlocked a series of German defence industry projects in the UK. These include a fleet of sea drones to protect British waters from Russian saboteurs, a £400m “Gun Hall” at Rheinmetall’s Telford plant to ramp up artillery production, and the latest version of the Boxer infantry vehicle for the British Army. The DPS programme is expected to follow a similar model, drawing on German funding and British expertise.
Burnham’s rise to the premiership followed a period of turmoil for Labour. After Starmer lost seats in Gorton, Denton, Wales, Scotland and across local government, the party turned to the Greater Manchester mayor, who had been testing the limits of his devolved powers and building a reputation for “sunny radicalism”. The question now is whether he can deliver on the promise of this new defence relationship – and whether the “golden age” he envisages will outlast the missiles it is building.
