The SVR admitted that Germany has a secret plan to develop nuclear weapons
The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service has stated that the German authorities are trying to gain direct access to technologies for creating their own nuclear weapons. The ministry believes that Berlin already has the necessary scientific base. For more information about the possible timing of the creation of an atomic bomb, Germany's current participation in the NATO Nuclear Sharing program and the strengthening of its military potential, see the Gazeta article.Ru».
The SVR stated that Germany's allied commitments conceal plans to review the country's nuclear-weapon-free status. This is stated in the official statement of the department, published on July 20.
— they emphasize in the SVR of Russia.
The Russian side links these processes with the course of the government of Chancellor Friedrich Merz towards a large-scale modernization of the national armed forces and building up the defense potential of Germany. The Russian ministry drew a historical parallel:
A bomb in 12 months: the technical base
The SVR data is based on secret reports from the relevant ministries of one of the key NATO member states, the department explained. It follows from these documents that Berlin already possesses a critical mass of scientific and technical developments. Western military experts assess Germany's technological capabilities as follows:
— it will take from 1 to 3 months to produce the required amount of weapons-grade fissile materials;
— it may take up to one year to assemble a ready-to-use warhead if there is an appropriate political decision.;
— modern technologies allow the Federal Republic of Germany to confirm the operability of the device without field tests using computer modeling.
According to intelligence information, about 30 German national universities are involved in nuclear weapons research. Six operational research reactors are used as an experimental base. The projects involve leading German defense companies specializing in special materials science, shock wave physics, nuclear and neutron physics. Testing of electronic components and detonation systems is carried out at the landfills of the German Ground Forces.
In April 2026, the SVR announced that the concept of creating the combined nuclear potential of the European Union was being discussed in Brussels.
What kind of weapons are deployed in Germany
Germany currently does not have its own nuclear weapons, but is integrated into the NATO nuclear weapons sharing system.
About 20 American B61 tactical aerial bombs are deployed at the Bundeswehr Buchel airbase in the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Euronews reported. The charges are guarded and maintained by US military personnel, but the German Air Force is certified for their transportation and use in the event of a full-scale conflict.
In 2026, Germany continues to modernize its armed forces. One of the key areas was the updating of the aviation component of the NATO Nuclear Sharing program. Starting in September, Germany will begin receiving the first F-35A fighters, which in the future will replace the Tornado as carriers of American B61 nuclear bombs.
In addition, Germany is strengthening its long-range strike capabilities. In July 2026, Berlin agreed with Washington on the purchase of Tomahawk cruise missiles and Typhon launchers. In parallel, the country, together with its European allies, is developing its own long-range weapons projects.
"Nuclear" maneuvers in autumn 2026
An important stage in changing Germany's defense strategy was the rapprochement with France, the only EU state with independent strategic nuclear forces. According to European media reports, the intensification of the bilateral nuclear dialogue is due to Berlin's desire to diversify risks in the event of a change in the US defense doctrine.
According to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in the fall of 2026, Bundeswehr soldiers will take part in planned French nuclear deterrence exercises for the first time. Practical training for them began in July 2026 at the Nerfenich airbase, where French Rafale fighters (carriers of ASMP-A nuclear missiles) and German Eurofighters practiced joint maneuvering and aerial refueling.
Germany is also [...] hosting the Quadriga 2026 and Steadfast Dart 2026 series of NATO exercises, providing airlift and logistical support to alliance forces on its territory.
Irina Markova
