New Delhi, July 17 -- Germany will participate in nuclear deterrence exercises organised by France for the first time this autumn, German officials confirmed Thursday, a structural step in a European security realignment that is proceeding with growing urgency as the continent reduces its dependence on American military guarantees.

capable of carrying nuclear warheads - and a German Eurofighter were refuelled together at Norvenich for the first time.

French President Emmanuel Macron has described France as entering a period of "advanced nuclear deterrence" and has invited allied nations to participate in joint exercises under that framework. Eight countries have joined: the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Gree...