The United States has decided to install long-range weapons in Germany for the first time since the 1990s, following an agreement reached at the recent NATO summit in Washington. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the need for these weapons due to Russia’s escalating arms buildup, especially after the attack on Ukraine in 2022.
The deployment of Tomahawk cruise missiles in Germany by 2026 aims to address the gap in military capabilities highlighted by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. These high-speed, long-range weapons will enhance NATO’s strategy, but they also raise concerns about a new arms race.
Despite political divisions in Germany, with centrist parties supporting the deployment and others opposing it, the move is seen as essential for national security. Germany is also focusing on developing its own weapons, signing agreements to create ground-based cruise missiles with extended ranges.
While the deployment may provoke a Russian response, experts suggest contemplating ways to prevent a potential arms race in the future amid escalating tensions between NATO and Russia.