The U.S. May Cancel Plans to Deploy "Tomahawk" Missiles in Germany

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Reference News Network reported on June 10 According to Kyodo News on June 5, the U.S. Department of Defense is expected to cancel plans to deploy Tomahawk cruise missiles in Germany. This is mainly because the U.S. is concerned that Russia would view this as an escalation of tensions, leading to a strong backlash. The Trump administration is reducing its intervention in NATO allies, including Germany.

The report states that thousands of missiles, including Tomahawks, have been consumed in U.S. military actions against Iran. Concerns over depleted stockpiles may also be one of the reasons prompting the U.S. government to make this decision. Some opinions suggest that due to insufficient reserves, the delivery of Tomahawk missiles originally scheduled for Japan will be significantly delayed.

Politico points out that the U.S. has long established a solid relationship with NATO, but the reduction of intervention by the Trump administration has shaken the foundation of cooperation between the two sides.

Currently, U.S.-German relations are tense, with German Chancellor Merz criticizing the U.S. for its attacks on Iran, which has displeased U.S. President Trump. The U.S. Department of Defense announced in May this year plans to withdraw about 5,000 U.S. military personnel from Germany.

The report states that Russia has deployed nuclear-capable Iskander ballistic missiles in the enclave of Kaliningrad, located between Poland and Lithuania. Additionally, Russia has deployed the latest medium-range ballistic missile, the Zubr, in Belarus. (Translated by Ma Xiaoyun)

Classification
Region
Europe, Russia & CIS, West Asia
Analytical Domain
Strategic
Primary Category / Secondary Categories
Political-Military / Weapons & Equipment
SALUTE Report
Size
Approximately 5000 U.S. troops
Activity
The U.S. plans to cancel the deployment of Tomahawk cruise missiles in Germany due to concerns over escalating tensions with Russia and depletion of missile stocks.
Location
Germany · Iran · Poland · Lithuania · Kaliningrad · Belarus
Unit
U.S. Department of Defense
Time
Reported on June 5, 2023
Equipment
Tomahawk cruise missilesIskander ballistic missilesZubr medium-range ballistic missiles
Summary

The U.S. plans to cancel the deployment of Tomahawk cruise missiles in Germany due to concerns about escalating tensions with Russia and the depletion of missile stocks. This decision reflects a reduction in U.S. military intervention in NATO countries, particularly Germany, amid strained relations. Additionally, Russia has deployed nuclear-capable Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad and new medium-range missiles in Belarus, further complicating the security landscape.

Key Facts
  • The U.S. plans to cancel the deployment of Tomahawk missiles in Germany.
  • Concerns over escalating tensions with Russia influenced this decision.
  • The U.S. has depleted a significant number of missiles in military actions against Iran.
  • U.S.-Germany relations are currently tense due to differing views on military actions.
  • Russia has deployed nuclear-capable Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad and new medium-range missiles in Belarus.