Germany plans 12 billion euro investment in long-range weaponry

The German government expects to require nearly 12 billion euros to build a new arsenal of long-range weapons intended to deter Russia. Internal documents from the Ministry of Defense indicate that these weapons would allow German forces to strike targets hundreds or even thousands of kilometers behind the front lines, including potential command centers, airfields, missile launchers, and supply hubs.

The project is identified in internal documents as a major priority for both Germany and NATO as European nations rearm in response to perceived threats from Russia. The goal is to enable German forces to strike ‘deep into the enemy's rear’ and maintain the ability to respond with conventional weapons ‘below the nuclear threshold.’

The plan consists of four parts. The first weapons are expected to be available as early as next year, while the most advanced systems, being developed jointly by Germany and the United Kingdom, are planned for the mid-2030s. One part of the plan involves introducing a new, cheaper cruise missile by 2027. The German Ministry of Defense has declined to comment on specific amounts or individual programs, noting that such measures are subject to approval by the German Bundestag.