For the first time since the Cold War, the USA will deploy weapons in Germany that can reach the territory of Russia. What is known about the long-range missile agreement?
For the first time since the Cold War, the US wants to deploy weapons in Germany that can reach targets in Russia. This is to happen from 2026 onwards, but as ARD notes, if Donald Trump is re-elected president, he may cancel the planned stationing. During his first term as president, the Republican reduced the US military presence in Germany and Europe.
For now, there is no exact data on the number of US missiles to be deployed in Germany.
What is the range of US weapons systems?
Moscow is 1,600 kilometers as the crow flies from Berlin. Respectively, the Russian capital could be reached by American cruise missiles of the "Tomahawk" type, which have a range of up to 2,500 kilometers.
Furthermore, the US-Germany deal includes SM-6 air defense missiles and new hypersonic weapons. They are relied upon for better protection of NATO allies.
Why does Europe need these missiles?
The German public-law media recalls that five years ago the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was canceled.
This is at the decision of the US with the support of NATO partners, as Russia has secretly invested in the development of such missiles and has clearly violated the treaty. That is why the administration of Donald Trump gave up on him.
Since the Europeans do not have medium-range missiles, the US military plans to temporarily fill this gap until Europe develops its own missiles in the next five to seven years.
Security expert Claudia Major from the "Science and Policy" believes there are three important reasons for deploying American weapons systems in Germany. One is that Russia has long deployed "Iskander" missiles in the Kaliningrad exclave, which can also carry nuclear warheads. Russian fighter jets with "Dagger" hypersonic missiles are also stationed there from 2022. The Kremlin also announced its intention to deploy tactical nuclear missiles in Belarus. To counter these threats, it will not rely on more nuclear weapons, but on conventional cruise missiles.
Who pays for the deployment of American weapons in Germany?
For now, the German government is silent on the issue of costs, but in principle the US sees the stationing of weapons as its responsibility within NATO. Which means that they also remain the owner of the weapon systems, explains the German public-law media. However, it is possible that Germany will have to create the necessary infrastructure if the missiles remain permanently in the country, states ARD.
So far, the German government has not provided parliament with any information about US plans to deploy weapons. That is why MPs are calling on Chancellor Scholz to better inform the population, writes ARD.