Agreement Seeks To Harmonize Arms Export Rules For Joint Programs With France

The German Cabinet has approved a deal with France designed to unify arms export rules on cooperative programs, reports Defense News.

The Aachener Vertrag pact is expected to be signed by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Jan. 22 in Aachen, Germany.

No projects were explicitly mentioned in the draft treaty, said a German Foreign Ministry spokesperson. France and Germany are considering joint programs for a new combat aircraft, main battle tank and combat drone, the newspaper noted.

The deal is meant to complement the Elysee Treaty, which was signed 56 years ago, and further strengthen ties on all levels between the neighbors.

The two countries have previously disputed export limitations. Germany typically favors a more cautious approach when human-rights issues are of concern, while France is generally more open to export arms to any government willing to pay.