The "Tomahawk" Enhances Long-Range Precision Strike Capability

According to a report by Reference News Network on September 19, the German news television channel reported on September 16 that German Defense Minister Pistorius reached a consensus with the Trump administration during his visit to the U.S. to strengthen defense cooperation and signed a letter of intent with U.S. Defense Secretary Austin. The U.S. had previously committed to selling "Tomahawk" cruise missiles to Germany. Pistorius also plans for the German Air Force to receive its first batch of F-35 stealth fighters.

Regarding Germany's plan to purchase "Tomahawk" cruise missiles and the accompanying "Triton" missile launch system, Pistorius stated that although the process is complex, "the direction has been determined, and we have received assurances on this again today." In early July, the German government announced this procurement plan during the NATO summit held in Turkey.

According to a report by the German newspaper Welt on September 14, Germany is advancing the construction of its own long-range precision strike capability. The Ministry of Defense plans to allocate nearly 3.4 billion euros in budget for the U.S. "Tomahawk" cruise missiles and related "Triton" launch systems.

Relevant internal documents indicate that this funding requirement has been included in the federal budget planning for 2027. The "Triton" system equipped with "Tomahawk" cruise missiles is expected to achieve initial operational capability by 2030 at the earliest.

By then, the Bundeswehr will acquire a capability it previously lacked: the ability to strike long-range targets using ground-based weapons. The range of the "Tomahawk" cruise missile exceeds 2,000 kilometers.

This internal document clearly indicates Berlin's military objective in advancing this plan, namely to enhance its so-called "deep precision strike" capability, particularly to expand the capabilities of ground-based models.

The document states that this long-range strike capability, which is below the nuclear threshold, will ensure that Germany possesses a lasting conventional response capability and will contribute to conventional deterrence. For the Bundeswehr, procuring "Tomahawks" will fill a significant capability gap. Berlin especially hopes to "deter" Russia credibly and to be able to strike important targets in the rear areas behind the front lines in the event of a conflict.

In 2024, then U.S. President Biden and German Chancellor Scholz agreed that the U.S. would deploy long-range weapon systems in Germany starting in 2026, including "Tomahawk" cruise missiles, but these missiles would be controlled by U.S. forces.

Later, U.S. President Trump halted this plan. However, Berlin was simultaneously advancing the construction of its own capabilities and formally proposed to Washington in 2025 to purchase the "Triton" launch system equipped with "Tomahawks."

Reports indicate that a key political step occurred during the NATO summit in Ankara. Trump and German Chancellor Merz signed a bilateral letter of intent regarding the purchase of the system.

The U.S. government explicitly supported Germany's procurement in this regard. This indicates a fundamental shift: Germany is no longer relying on U.S. forces stationed in its territory to achieve long-range deterrence, but rather aims to enable the Bundeswehr to possess and utilize this capability itself. (Translated by Wang Qiang and Jiao Yu)