Key Points
- Germany aims to purchase Tomahawk missiles and Typhon launch systems
- Defence minister expected to press proposal during Washington visit
- Move reflects growing European concerns over long-range deterrence capacity
BERLIN: Germany is reviving efforts to acquire US-made Tomahawk cruise missiles and associated Typhon ground-launch systems, as Berlin seeks to strengthen its long-range strike capabilities amid shifting transatlantic security dynamics.
According to a Financial Times report, Berlin hopes to persuade the administration of US President Donald Trump to approve the sale of the missile systems, which Germany first requested in July last year. According to the report, Washington has yet to respond to the proposal.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is reportedly planning a visit to Washington to revive discussions on the purchase. However, the trip depends on securing a meeting with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile is a long-range cruise missile designed for deep-strike operations against targets far behind front lines.
Traditionally launched from naval platforms, the system has become increasingly important in NATO discussions surrounding deterrence and rapid-response capabilities in Europe.
The renewed German effort comes after the Pentagon moved to scale back elements of its planned military deployment posture in Europe, including uncertainty surrounding the stationing of US long-range missile systems in Germany.
European officials and defence analysts have warned that any reduction in American strategic deployments could leave NATO with capability gaps, particularly against Russia.
Germany had sought to acquire three Typhon launcher systems and around 400 Tomahawk missiles as part of a broader effort to improve conventional deterrence and independent strike capacity, the report added.
The issue also reflects European concerns about long-term dependence on US military assets. Several European states are pursuing joint missile-development initiatives, though many of those projects are not expected to become operational before the next decade.
The Pentagon said earlier this year that it had signed a seven-year agreement with RTX Corporation, formerly Raytheon, to increase Tomahawk production after US stockpiles were reduced during the conflict with Iran.
Neither the White House nor the German Defence Ministry immediately commented publicly on the latest report.
