
(Scypre.com) – The United States has announced plans to deploy long-range missiles in Germany starting from 2026. This deployment, disclosed during NATO’s 75th anniversary summit, signals the first time such missiles will be stationed in Germany since the end of the Cold War. The move is set to include Tomahawk cruise missiles, SM-6 missiles, and advanced hypersonic weapons, which boast extended ranges beyond current capabilities.
The joint announcement by the US and Germany emphasized that this deployment is a response to the collapse of the 1988 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which formerly prohibited such weapons. The treaty, which once regulated ground-launched missiles with ranges from 500 to 5,500 kilometers, dissolved in 2019 amid accusations of violations by both the US and Russia.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov condemned the decision, stating Moscow would respond militarily to what it perceives as a new threat. “This is just a link in the chain of a course of escalation,” Ryabkov asserted, accusing NATO and the US of attempting to intimidate Russia.
The deployment is initially framed as episodic but is expected to transition to a permanent fixture under the auspices of enhancing NATO’s deterrence capabilities across Europe. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, speaking from the NATO summit in Washington, articulated that the US initiative aims to spur European nations, including Germany, to invest in their own long-range missile capabilities. Pistorius highlighted a growing concern within NATO about a capability gap in Europe’s defense architecture, which this move intends to address.
“This episodic deployment gives our NATO allies time to prepare,” Pistorius explained, underscoring the urgency for European countries to bolster their missile defense strategies. In a show of solidarity, Pistorius and counterparts from France, Italy, and Poland signed a letter of intent aimed at developing the European Long-Range Strike Approach (Elsa). This initiative seeks to augment Europe’s defense capabilities, particularly in deterring potential threats and safeguarding the continent.
Criticism of the decision emerged domestically within Germany, particularly from politicians within Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government. Members of the Green Party, a coalition partner, voiced concern over the lack of transparency and consultation regarding the deployment. Sara Nanni, the Greens’ security spokesperson, expressed dismay over Scholz’s handling of the situation, suggesting it could exacerbate public fears and invite misinformation.
“It can even heighten fears and leaves room for disinformation and incitement,” Nanni cautioned in an interview with the Rheinische Post newspaper. The debate within Germany underscores broader concerns across Europe about the implications of increased militarization and its impact on regional stability.
As NATO prepares to implement this historic deployment in the coming years, it marks a pivotal moment in transatlantic relations and European defense policy. The strategic implications extend beyond military capabilities, touching on geopolitical dynamics and the delicate balance of power in the 21st century global landscape.