Germany eyes Tomahawk missiles to boost defense capabilities
Germany is considering the acquisition of a land-based version of the well-known Tomahawk missiles, reports the German service Hartpunkt, citing sources familiar with the situation. The American cruise missiles would offer a temporary boost to Germany's long-range strike capabilities before Berlin obtains ground-based missiles via the European Long-Range Strike Approach (ELSA) program, in which Poland is also involved.
Germany is interested in purchasing Tomahawk cruise missiles because they fulfill Berlin’s requirements for long-range strike capabilities. This type of weapon allows for attacks on targets up to 2,000 kilometres away, including command centres, ammunition depots, and air bases located deep in enemy territory.
Tomahawks for Germany
As noted by Hartpunkt, the war in Ukraine has revealed European deficiencies in long-range precision weaponry. These gaps are to be addressed through the development of the ELSA (European Long Strike Approach) system. An agreement on this matter was signed in July 2024 by the defence ministers of France, the United Kingdom, Poland, Germany, Italy, and Sweden. The initiative aims to develop a European missile system with a range of 1,000 to 2,000 kilometres. However, it remains uncertain whether the European defence industry will be able to deliver such a system by the end of this decade. "Especially since no order has been placed so far," notes Hartpunkt.
The purchase of Tomahawks will allow Germany to maintain crucial combat capabilities until a European equivalent is developed. At the same time, Berlin signed a separate agreement in July 2024 with the United States concerning the rotational deployment of American long-range missile systems on German soil, with the potential for a permanent presence in the future. However, it remains unclear whether the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump will carry out these plans in their original form.
According to Hartpunkt, Germany may receive the Typhon system used by the U.S. Army, capable of launching both Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles. Future deployment of batteries with hypersonic Dark Eagle missiles, which are still under development, is also possible.
Tomahawk missiles
Tomahawk cruise missiles are one of the most recognizable and versatile weapons in the arsenal of the U.S. armed forces and their allies. Designed for precise long-range strikes, they specialize in neutralizing strategic targets, such as command centres, critical infrastructure, ammunition depots, and military facilities of significant operational importance. Due to their ability to fly at low altitudes by following terrain contours, Tomahawks can effectively evade detection by radar systems and counter enemy air defenses.
Their range exceeds 2,000 kilometres, enabling long-distance attacks while minimizing risk to crews and combat platforms. These missiles are guided by advanced GPS, inertial, and radar navigation systems, allowing for remarkable precision even in challenging combat conditions. They can be launched from surface ships, submarines, and mobile land launchers, making them an extremely adaptable tool in military operations.
It is noteworthy that the Tomahawk missiles were developed in the 1970s and entered service in 1983. Several variants have been developed, including those with nuclear warheads, anti-radar capabilities, and conventional or cluster warheads. There are also versions designed for launch from surface ships (RGM) and submarines (UGM), as well as the land-based BGM variant, launched from mobile launch containers.
