F. Merz, in a recent podcast appearance on 'Machtwechsel', articulated his views against Germany pursuing independent nuclear armament, highlighting the significance of existing treaties that bind the country to refrain from such measures. He referenced the 1990 'Two plus Four' agreement, which facilitated German reunification, and the 1970 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, both critical to Germany's post-World War II security arrangements.

Despite his opposition to independent nuclear weapons, Merz mentioned the potential role of Bundeswehr aircraft in utilizing French or British nuclear weapons. He noted that Tornado fighter jets are already stationed at Büchel Air Force Base in readiness for the deployment of American nuclear weapons, indicating a multifaceted approach to nuclear deterrence within NATO. He implied that this capability could also extend to British and French nuclear arsenals under certain circumstances.

During discussions at the Munich Security Conference, Merz revealed that he is in conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron about establishing a collective European nuclear deterrence framework. Macron had previously suggested talks on this subject to Germany and other European partners back in 2020, signaling ongoing discussions about the future of nuclear deterrence in Europe amid evolving security dynamics.