US to deploy long-range missiles in Germany by 2026
5:12 PM EDT, July 10, 2024
The White House announced on Wednesday that the United States will begin deploying long-range missiles in Germany in 2026. The missiles include hypersonic missiles, SM-6 missiles, and Tomahawks.
The United States will start sporadic deployment of long-range firepower in Germany in 2026 as part of plans to permanently station these means. SM-6 missiles, Tomahawks, and still-developing hypersonic weapons, which will have "a significantly longer range" than current 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 fulfills White House representatives' announcements 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 crucial missile used in the Aegis air and missile defense system, while the Tomahawk is a cruise missile with a range of up to 1,550 miles.
