U.S. to deploy long-range missiles in Germany by 2026
The United States will begin deploying long-range missiles in Germany, the White House announced on Wednesday. The missiles listed include hypersonic missiles, SM-6 missiles, and Tomahawks. The deployment of these weapons will start in 2026.
The United States will start sporadic deployment of long-range firepower in Germany in 2026 as part of plans to permanently station these capabilities. SM-6 missiles, Tomahawks, and still-developing hypersonic weapons, which will have "a significantly longer range" than currently deployed missiles, are to be stationed in Germany. According to the White House, this aims to demonstrate the United States' commitment to NATO and its contribution to European "integrated deterrence."
Implementation of earlier announcements
Wednesday's statement implements announcements made by White House representatives before the NATO summit about "significantly strengthening the deterrence factor" against Russia in Europe.
This will be the first time since the Russian invasion that long-range American missiles will be deployed. It is also a response to Russia's deployment of Iskander missiles in Belarus and the Kaliningrad Oblast.
The SM-6 is a basic missile used, among other things, in the Aegis air and missile defence system, while the Tomahawk is a cruise missile with a range of up to 2,500 kilometres.
