Germany Plans Massive Long-Range Military Buildup Including Israeli Cruise Missile

Germany's Ministry of Defense is preparing a comprehensive military enhancement program focused on long-range weapons to counter Russia. The plan, revealed in internal documents obtained by Politico, involves an investment of nearly 12 billion euros to develop and acquire various missile systems capable of striking deep into Russian territory, targeting command centers, airports, missile launchers, and logistics hubs. This initiative is considered a top priority for both Germany and NATO amid escalating tensions with Russia.

A key element of the program is the rapid deployment of a relatively low-cost cruise missile, potentially entering service as early as 2027. Germany is evaluating missiles from Covenant Industries, an Israeli-American startup, alongside Ukrainian-made options, aiming for mass production and quick operational readiness. The Israeli-made Anthem missile is among the leading candidates, reflecting Germany's lessons from the Ukraine conflict where drones and missiles have effectively targeted Russian infrastructure.

Following this initial phase, Germany plans to acquire American Tomahawk cruise missiles, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz announcing an agreement with the U.S. during the NATO summit in Ankara. These missiles will be deployed in Germany to close a strategic defense gap, with operational capability expected by the end of the decade. The Tomahawks are proven weapons but face supply challenges due to extensive U.S. use in recent conflicts.

The program's final stages involve advanced weapon systems developed jointly with the United Kingdom under the Trinity House agreement, including next-generation cruise missiles and hypersonic glide weapons. These are projected to achieve initial operational capability by the mid-2030s and represent the largest portion of the planned investment.

This multi-tiered approach marks a significant shift in Germany's military doctrine, moving away from reliance on a single European system to a diversified arsenal combining affordable mass-produced missiles, American technology, and cutting-edge European developments. The buildup responds to warnings from German military leaders about Russia's potential to strike NATO countries by the decade's end, aiming to ensure that Russian military infrastructure cannot be considered safe simply due to distance from front lines.