{
  "id": 3033610,
  "title": "Germany Plans to Build an Arsenal of Long-Range Weapons — Politico",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/germany-plans-to-build-an-arsenal-of-long-range-weapons-politico",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-24T12:58:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "UATV English",
    "slug": "uatv-english",
    "url": "https://uatv.ua/en/germany-plans-to-build-an-arsenal-of-long-range-weapons-politico/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Germany is preparing a major expansion of its missile capabilities in response to the threat posed by Russia. According to internal Defense Ministry documents, the country plans to invest approximately €12 billion in long-range weapons designed to target Russian military installations located hundreds or even thousands of kilometers away. This includes a variety of weapons such as cruise missiles, American Tomahawks, and cutting-edge European hypersonic systems.\n\nThe German Defense Ministry aims to equip the military with the ability to strike deep behind enemy lines, targeting key assets such as command centers, airfields, missile launch facilities, and supply depots. The program is not focused on a single type of weapon, but rather on acquiring a diverse arsenal to ensure flexibility in striking various targets. Three potential missile systems are being considered: the Anthem from Covenant Industries, BARS from an unnamed Ukrainian manufacturer, and Ukraine's Flamingo developed by Fire Point. Discussions with two of these suppliers are underway, and qualification tests for the first missiles are expected to commence next year, with mass production following suit.\n\nAdditionally, Germany is in talks with the United States to acquire Tomahawk missiles, anticipating initial deployment capabilities before the end of the decade. This strategy allows Germany to quickly acquire proven long-range weapons while its own European-developed systems are still in the early stages of development. Germany and the United Kingdom are also collaborating on the development of a new cruise missile and hypersonic weapon, both designed to have a range exceeding 2,000 km and expected to enter operational service by the middle of the next decade.\n\nThis approach to building a long-range weapons arsenal is influenced by Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. Germany believes that a large number of relatively inexpensive missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles can overwhelm an adversary's air defense systems and provide the opportunity to strike critical targets deep within the enemy's rear areas. The total projected cost of the program is estimated at approximately €12 billion, although final approval from the German parliament (Bundestag) has not yet been granted.\n\nBy diversifying its long-range weaponry, Germany aims to establish a credible deterrent against potential Russian aggression and bolster conventional, non-nuclear deterrence capabilities. The country has previously documented numerous suspected drone overflights in areas near Bundeswehr facilities, indicating a growing concern over the proliferation of unmanned systems. This new emphasis on long-range missile capabilities reflects Germany's strategy to enhance its conventional defense posture and project power far beyond its borders.",
  "summary": "Germany is preparing a large-scale build-up of its missile capabilities amid the threat from Russia. Berlin plans to spend nearly €12 billion on long-range weapons capable of striking Russian military targets hundreds and thousands of kilometers away. This is reported by Politico, citing internal German Defense Ministry documents, UATV English reports. According to the outlet, this involves…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}