No, Germany does not currently have any nuclear weapons. After World War 2, Germany was banned from developing or possessing nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) which it ratified in 1975. Germany has abided by these restrictions since 1945 and is today considered a non-nuclear weapon state.
History of Nuclear Weapons in Germany
Germany was actively researching nuclear weapons during World War 2 but did not succeed in developing any before the end of the war. The German nuclear weapons program, known as the Uranverein (Uranium Club), began in 1939 and was led by scientist Kurt Diebner. The program struggled due to lack of government support and resources as the war progressed.
By 1945, Germany had failed to develop a workable nuclear reactor, let alone a nuclear weapon. Allied bombing raids had severely damaged Germany’s infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities needed for nuclear research. When World War 2 ended, Allied forces captured Germany’s nuclear scientists and materials, ending their nuclear ambitions.
Post World War 2 Ban on Nuclear Weapons
After Germany’s surrender in 1945, the country was occupied by Allied forces – the United States, United Kingdom, France and Soviet Union. Under the Allied occupation statute, Germany was explicitly prohibited from developing nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons. These restrictions remained in place after West Germany and East Germany were established in 1949.
When West Germany was admitted into NATO in 1955, it agreed not to manufacture or possess nuclear weapons. In the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) which Germany ratified in 1975, non-nuclear member states like Germany pledged not to acquire nuclear weapons. The NPT recognizing the US, Russia, UK, France and China as nuclear weapon states, but prohibited all other member states from pursuing nuclear weapons.
Nuclear Sharing With NATO
While Germany does not control any nuclear weapons, the country participates in NATO’s nuclear sharing policy. Under this policy, the US provides nuclear weapons to be deployed on the territory of NATO allies who do not possess nuclear weapons themselves.
In Germany, the Luftwaffe’s Tornado fighter-bombers are capable of delivering US B61 nuclear bombs stored at Büchel Air Base in Rhineland-Palatinate. However, the weapons remain under US custody and could only be used with US approval. This nuclear sharing is intended to strengthen extended nuclear deterrence and allow NATO members to participate in nuclear planning.
Domestic Opposition to Nuclear Weapons
Within Germany, there is strong public opposition to developing or controlling nuclear weapons. Political parties such as The Greens advocate for Germany’s withdrawal from NATO’s nuclear sharing policy by prohibiting US nuclear weapons on German soil. In 2010, the Bundestag passed a resolution calling on the government to push for removing all nuclear weapons from Germany.
Polls over decades have consistently shown the vast majority of Germans oppose Germany acquiring its own nuclear weapons. Anti-nuclear sentiment is embedded in Germany’s post-WW2 national identity based on promoting peace and shedding militarism. Most Germans believe relying on US nuclear protection within NATO is sufficient and see no need for national nuclear arms.
Germany’s Support of Nuclear Non-Proliferation
As a non-nuclear weapon state, Germany has actively promoted nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament since World War 2. Germany is a leading member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, Chemical Weapons Convention and Biological Weapons Convention. Germany has pushed major nuclear powers like the US and Russia to honor their disarmament commitments under the NPT.
Germany has also used its role in international bodies like the UN, EU and NATO to advocate for reducing proliferation risks. This includes imposing economic sanctions on states attempting to develop nuclear weapons like Iran and North Korea. Germany believes proliferation endangers global security and goes against international norms established since 1945.
Could Germany Build Nuclear Weapons?
Some analysts argue that even if Germany desired nuclear weapons, it would face major obstacles in developing them. Germany has not conducted any nuclear explosive research since World War 2 under the Allied restrictions. It lacks the requisite nuclear facilities, fissile materials, delivery systems and testing sites that decades of sustained investment are needed to acquire.
However, skeptics counter that Germany has the technological and industrial resources to rapidly weaponize if the political decision was ever made. Germany already produces nuclear energy and advanced submarines and missiles. It also has intelligence know-how from NATO nuclear sharing that could be repurposed into a national program. But overriding Germany’s strong normative taboo against nuclear weapons remains the biggest barrier.
Benefits of Not Having Nuclear Weapons
Germany gains important political and economic benefits from remaining a non-nuclear weapon state compliant with the NPT:
- Germany saves the enormous financial costs of developing, producing, maintaining and securing nuclear weapons which some estimate could be over $100 billion.
- Germany maintains moral authority on the global stage by following international non-proliferation norms and pressuring irresponsible nuclear states like North Korea.
- Germany reassures neighboring countries like Poland and the Netherlands who oppose nuclear proliferation close to their borders.
- Germany upholds its anti-nuclear identity and public opinion by rejecting controversial weapons seen as immoral by most citizens.
- Germany avoids global criticism and loss of EU and NATO membership by not breaking non-proliferation commitments.
Conclusion
Germany today possesses no nuclear weapons and remains committed to nuclear disarmament under the NPT. While nuclear sharing with NATO has been controversial domestically, Germany has upheld its non-nuclear status for over 70 years since World War 2. Developing nuclear weapons would violate international norms, isolate Germany diplomatically and squander its position as a moral authority on non-proliferation. With little strategic incentive to acquire nuclear arms, Germany seems unlikely to ever pursue them.