The Pentagon is reviewing an agreement to supply Germany with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles. Officials in Washington fear that russia will view the deployment of such weapons in central Europe as a step toward escalation. Politico reports this, citing European and American officials.
In addition to political risks, the decision is influenced by a shortage of weapons in the US itself due to military operations in the Middle East.
"The Americans don’t have enough for themselves right now," confirmed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The possible refusal is part of a broader review of the US military presence in Europe, which includes cuts to aviation and drones, as well as the cancellation of plans to deploy about 5,000 US troops to Germany. The Pentagon emphasizes that European allies must take on more responsibility for their own defense.
Germany submitted a request to purchase Tomahawks a year and a half ago but has yet to receive a final response.
"To be honest, given the current state of the world, I don’t have much hope in that regard," said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
At the same time, Berlin is concerned about the strengthening of russian capabilities, particularly the deployment of Iskander missiles in the Kaliningrad Oblast and Oreshnik systems in Belarus, as Germany currently lacks comparable systems for deterrence.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, the United States has informed a number of European countries, including the United Kingdom, Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia, of possible prolonged delays in arms deliveries due to a reduction in its own stockpiles amid the war in Iran.
Who we are: About us, Contacts. How we write news and our principles: Editorial code. We did our best. If you found this valuable – please support us.
To request a correction, please send an email.