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ConflictEuropean NATO allies pledge $50 billion for long-range strike capabilities
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A dozen NATO allies, led by the UK, will commit over $50 billion (€43.7 billion) over the next decade to develop long-range precision strike weapons capable of hitting targets at distances of at least 300 km, with future systems exceeding 2,000 km. The initiative aims to strengthen NATO's deterrence against Russia. The UK has already committed £3 billion to its own long-range capabilities by 2030 and is involved in joint programs with Germany on stealth and hypersonic weapons, and with France and Italy on a Storm Shadow successor. The article notes Europe's historical struggle to develop such capabilities, contrasting with Ukraine's rapid development of the Flamingo ground-launched cruise missile (3,000 km range) and long-range drones used to strike deep inside Russia. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated the capability will allow allies to hit high-value military targets and deter aggressors, sending a clear message to President Putin.
Source report
A dozen NATO allies will announce on Wednesday a commitment of more than $50 billion (€43.7 billion) over the next decade to develop long-range precision strike capabilities.
UK-Led Initiative
The programme, led by Britain, aims to strengthen NATO’s deterrence by accelerating investment in advanced deep precision strike weapons. According to a statement from the British Ministry of Defence, these systems will be capable of hitting targets at distances of at least 300 kilometres, with some future systems expected to exceed 2,000 kilometres.
“This UK-led initiative will allow us to step up our cooperation, bringing European allies together to ensure NATO remains safe and secure for years to come,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
UK Commitments and Joint Programmes
The UK has committed £3 billion (€3.5 billion) to long-range strike capabilities by 2030 as part of its Defence Investment Plan. The country is currently involved in:
- A joint programme with Germany to develop stealth and hypersonic weapons with ranges exceeding 2,000 kilometres
- The Stratus programme with France and Italy to produce a successor to the Storm Shadow missile
European and Ukrainian Developments
Europe has struggled to develop its own long-range strike capability, with the European Long-Range Strike Approach (ELSA) only just starting to gather momentum, two years after it was launched.
Ukraine, meanwhile, developed its Flamingo ground-launched cruise missile, capable of hitting targets 3,000 kilometres away in record time. Ukraine is also using long-range drones to hit targets deep inside Russian territory.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum on Tuesday that with those weapons Kyiv has “completely eliminated the very idea of Russia having a strategic rear.”
“For a long time, Russia believed it had a territorial advantage. No one else possessed a deep rear where it could safely keep military production, military equipment, and everything its war depends on. Believing no one could reach them. And we have reached them,” he said.
Official Statements
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said deep precision strike capability would provide allies the ability to “hit high-value military targets and the logistical engines that drive armies, deterring any aggressor and strengthening our mutual security.”
“At Ankara, we are sending a clear message to President Putin; NATO is stronger, more European and ready to defend our citizens against the long-term threat posed by him and the Russian state,” she added.
Source
EuractivWestern
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UK-led NATO initiative commits $50 billion to long-range strike missiles