Germany outlines €12 billion program to field long-range strike missiles against Russia
Berlin plans to spend almost €12 billion on a suite of long-range missiles to give its forces the ability to hit targets deep behind Russian lines.
Internal German defence papers detail a €12 billion effort to create a new arsenal of deep-strike weapons capable of reaching targets hundreds to thousands of kilometres into Russian rear areas. The plan is divided into four phases: a mass-produced, low-cost cruise missile expected in 2027; acquisition of American Tomahawk missiles following an agreement reached at the NATO summit in Ankara; and collaborative development with the United Kingdom of a next-generation cruise missile and a hypersonic glide vehicle, with initial capability targeted for the mid-2020s. Contract talks involve Covenant Industries, a Ukrainian firm offering the BARS missile, and Fire Point’s Flamingo system, with qualification trials planned by year-end.
Funding estimates total just under €12 billion, though parliamentary approval is still pending. German officials say the mix of affordable, quickly deployable, and advanced systems is meant to ensure conventional deterrence against Russia without relying on nuclear weapons.
Why it matters
The plan would markedly boost NATO’s conventional strike reach and shape Europe’s defence posture toward Russia.
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