France and Germany reaffirm joint defense and space cooperation

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier concluded a state visit to France on Friday as leaders reaffirmed shared defense and space projects.

• German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the Franco-German MGCS main battle tank project remains ongoing and has not been canceled.
• French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin said both countries plan to gradually phase out their current main battle tanks.
• French President Emmanuel Macron said France and Germany will build a more sovereign, competitive Europe.
• Macron said the Ariane 6 rocket confirms Europe's independent access to space.