The German Federal Ministry of Defence is preparing a massive procurement program worth nearly €12 billion to establish a new arsenal of long-range missiles, according to leaked internal government documents.
These new weapons will provide the nation's armed forces with the capability to strike strategic targets, such as command centers, airfields, missile launchers, and logistical hubs, hundreds or thousands of kilometers behind the front line, as detailed in documents reported by POLITICO.
Strategic priority for NATO and neutralizing targets without nuclear weapons
This initiative is characterized as a top priority both for Germany and for NATO, at a time when European nations are rapidly rearming in response to rising security challenges from Russia. The primary objective of the plan is to secure deep-strike capabilities inside adversary territory while maintaining the capacity to respond using conventional weapons below the nuclear threshold.
The four phases of defense planning and budget approval
Germany's strategy is structured around four pillars, with the initial systems expected as early as next year, while more advanced capabilities will be developed in partnership with the United Kingdom through the middle of the next decade.
Although the allocation of nearly €12 billion has been submitted within the federal budget framework, it has not yet received final legislative approval.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence declined to comment on specific figures, emphasizing that all measures remain subject to the approval of the German parliament (Bundestag).
Low-cost mass-produced missiles deployed by 2027
The fastest track of the program involves the development of a new, low-cost cruise missile, with operational deployment targeted for 2027.
Berlin is already conducting contract negotiations with suppliers, examining primary options: the Anthem missile from the American-Israeli firm Covenant Industries, alongside the BARS and Flamingo systems offered by companies linked to Ukraine.
The documents describe these weapons as cost-effective and suited for mass production, capable of saturating and defeating air defenses, a lesson drawn directly from recent drone and missile strikes on infrastructure.
American Tomahawks to bridge the strategic gap
The second pillar relies on American technology.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz informed parliament that an agreement was reached with Washington on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara for the procurement of American Tomahawk cruise missiles.
The German objective is to field American Typhon missile launcher systems equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles before the end of the decade, bridging a critical capability gap until European alternatives become operational.
Hypersonic weapons in partnership with Britain and program costs
The final two stages involve joint development with the United Kingdom of an advanced cruise missile and a hypersonic glide vehicle under the bilateral Trinity House Agreement.
These systems will feature ranges exceeding 2,000 kilometers and account for the largest share of funding: nearly €9 billion is allocated for development and procurement (plus €182 million for lifecycle maintenance), while an additional €1.8 billion is directed toward cruise missile development and €97 million for maintenance.
Historic turning point in German defense policy
This overall program marks a major shift in Berlin's military posture.
Rather than waiting for the development of a single European platform, Germany is opting for a layered capability mix: low-cost mass-produced missiles, readily available American Tomahawk systems, and next-generation European weapons for the long term.
With defense planners warning of potential threats to allied territory before the end of the decade, Berlin aims to ensure that conventional deterrence remains robust.
Resurgence of German military capability and European balance of power
Germany's decision to commit nearly €12 billion toward a long-range strike arsenal represents more than a standard defense procurement adjustment.
It marks a notable shift in German and European security architecture since the end of the Second World War, redefining postwar conventions regarding defense posture and conventional force capabilities.
This development draws scrutiny and debate both within Germany and internationally.
Shift in strategic posture
Since 1945, Germany shaped its strategic identity around conventional defense commitments within NATO, historically limiting long-range offensive strike assets.
The procurement of long-range cruise missiles, American Tomahawk systems, and future hypersonic platforms capable of long-range strikes alters this established approach.
As a result, Berlin is positioning itself as a central conventional military pillar on the continent alongside its industrial base.
Strategic capability and transatlantic ties
This move reflects broader European discussions regarding transatlantic defense burdens and strategic readiness.
By developing autonomous deep-strike capabilities in collaboration with the United Kingdom, Germany is enhancing European conventional defense capabilities.
This posture reinforces Germany's operational role on NATO's eastern flank and shapes burden-sharing within the alliance.
Intra-European dynamics and Franco-German relations
The scale of German defense investments influences broader European defense dynamics.
France, traditionally the primary conventional and sole nuclear power in the European Union, observes Germany expanding its defense spending and procurement footprint.
Concurrently, Eastern European states welcome enhanced German defense commitments, reinforcing the strategic importance of the alliance's eastern flank.
French perspectives on European defense architecture
Officials and analysts in Paris closely monitor these defense developments.
French planners emphasize European strategic autonomy and have historically advocated for procurement centered on European manufacturers.
Debates continue regarding the balance between acquiring off-the-shelf systems, such as American Tomahawk missiles, and investing exclusively in sovereign European defense production.
Reactions in Poland and neighboring states
While Poland and the Baltic states strongly support enhanced NATO conventional deterrence against Russia, shifting regional military balances remain a central topic of discussion in Central and Eastern Europe.
Regional partners weigh the benefits of a heavily equipped German military against broader considerations of geopolitical leadership and regional defense integration.
Russian reaction and escalation concerns
From Moscow's perspective, German procurement of long-range strike systems that can reach deep into Russian territory is viewed as a significant strategic shift.
Russian officials have criticized the plans, characterizing the deployment of long-range missile systems in Central Europe as a development that alters strategic stability.
In response, Russia may adjust its military deployments in Kaliningrad and Belarus, intensifying regional defense competition across Eastern Europe.
Domestic political debate in Germany
Within Germany, the procurement plans generate significant parliamentary and public debate.
Opposition parties, including Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance, have raised objections, arguing that long-range strike capabilities increase regional escalation risks.
At the same time, public discussions reflect competing viewpoints between maintaining traditional defense restraint and adapting to evolving European security requirements.
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