US Troop Pullout Casts Doubt on Tomahawk Plan for Germany

A planned US deployment of long-range weapons to Germany, including Tomahawk missiles, faces uncertainty after Washington announced the withdrawal of thousands of American troops from the country. The German Defense Ministry said there had been no definitive cancellation of the plan, Reuters reported.

For Berlin and the rest of Europe, any delay or cancellation would weaken deterrence against Russia. Tomahawk missiles have a range of about 1,600 km and far exceed the capabilities Europe currently has.

The US decision follows tensions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the war against Iran.

Germany is now looking for alternatives, but its options are limited. Taurus missiles have a range of about 500 km. An upgraded Taurus Neo version could reach about 1,000 km, but it will not be available until after 2030.

There are also discussions about buying US systems, but it is unclear whether they will be available given depleted American stockpiles.

A joint European project to develop missiles with a range of more than 2,000 km is being prepared for the coming years. The aim is to ensure greater independence from the US.

Russian Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad can hit large parts of NATO territory, including Germany, highlighting the region’s vulnerability.

(reuters)