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ConflictUS approves sale of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Germany to close strategic defense gap
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The United States has approved the sale of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Germany, as announced by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in a government statement on July 9, 2026. The decision, made on the sidelines of the NATO summit, aims to close a strategic gap in Germany's defense capabilities. No specific date for stationing has been set. The move comes after the Trump administration halted a previously planned stationing of a long-range fire battalion in Germany and reduced US troop presence in Europe. Germany plans to simultaneously develop its own European missile systems. The Tomahawk stationing is seen as a deterrent against Russia, which has deployed Iskander cruise missiles in Kaliningrad capable of reaching European targets. The sale also follows discussions about joint German-US production of Tomahawks in Germany.
Source report
Source: Mass Communication Spc. 3rd Class / U.S. Navy / dpa
Confirmation of Purchase and Stationing
The U.S. government has approved the sale of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Germany. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) announced in the Bundestag on Thursday that the federal government had reached an agreement with the United States on the sidelines of the NATO summit.
"American Tomahawk missiles will be purchased by us and stationed in Germany," Merz said. "With this, we are closing an important strategic gap in our defense."
No date for the stationing has been announced yet.
European Development Efforts
Merz emphasized that Germany would simultaneously continue working on "developing its own European systems" that could be stationed in Europe.
Background: U.S. Policy Shifts
The government of U.S. President Donald Trump announced a reduction in troop presence in Europe at the beginning of May. Washington also halted the planned stationing of a long-range fire battalion with Tomahawk cruise missiles in Germany—a commitment made under former President Joe Biden.
In early May, Merz responded to Trump's decision by noting that the United States itself did not have enough Tomahawk cruise missiles, even in the context of the Iran war. However, he stated that the train for stationing had "not left the station." Subsequently, discussions emerged about producing Tomahawk cruise missiles in Germany through a joint venture between German and U.S. companies.
Strategic Rationale
The federal government views the Tomahawk stationing as a key element in deterring Russia. Moscow has stationed Iskander cruise missiles in its exclave of Kaliningrad, which could reach European targets.
Since the start of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine more than four years ago, many experts have again considered the deployment of medium-range weapons in Germany necessary. European nations currently lack such capabilities and remain dependent on the United States.
Merz's Remarks at NATO Summit
On Wednesday, Merz said at the NATO summit that the talks were not yet concluded. He stated that he was extremely satisfied with the results of the summit.
Sources: AFP, Reuters, omi
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