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Germany and UK plan long-range missiles, including a German hypersonic weapon
Germany and the UK plan to develop two long-range weapons under a project called Deep Precision Strike.
The plans were discussed by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting in Berlin.
The UK is to develop a low-flying cruise missile, while Germany is to develop a hypersonic weapon that releases a glider to fly towards its target at several times the speed of sound.
The weapons are planned to reach targets more than 2,000 kilometres away, and Germany’s system could be in service from 2035.
German budget documents set out more than €9 billion in future spending for the country’s plans, though they do not give a time period.
The project follows concerns about Europe’s ability to defend itself without relying fully on US weapons, and the war in Ukraine has highlighted the value of long-range precision weapons.
Key decisions remain open, including which companies will build the weapons and whether France will join; it is not clear if the Berlin meeting will produce binding agreements.
Germany and the United Kingdom plan to develop long-range precision weapons that could strike targets more than 2,000 kilometres away.
The project, called Deep Precision Strike, is intended to strengthen Europe’s defence and reduce its reliance on US weapons.
The United Kingdom is to develop a low-flying cruise missile, while Germany is to develop a hypersonic weapon.
The UK missile could be ready for use from 2032, and Germany’s system from 2035, according to current plans.
German budget documents reportedly provide for more than €9 billion in future spending, but the period covered is not specified.
- Who
- The German and UK governments, led on defence matters by Boris Pistorius and Wes Streeting.
- What
- They plan to develop a cruise missile and a hypersonic weapon with a range of more than 2,000 kilometres.
- When
- Pistorius and Streeting were due to discuss the plans on Monday in Berlin. The article does not specify the calendar date of the meeting.
- Where
- The talks were planned for Berlin; the weapons are intended to strengthen Europe’s defence.
- Why
- To strengthen European defence and reduce reliance on US weapons, amid concerns highlighted by Russia’s war against Ukraine.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
MBDA and Hypersonica are to develop experimental versions of Germany’s hypersonic weapon.
The UK cruise missile could be ready for use, according to current plans.
Germany’s hypersonic system could be used by the Bundeswehr, according to current plans.
- Project name
- Deep Precision Strike
- Planned range
- More than 2,000 kilometres
- German budget provision
- More than €9 billion in future spending; period not specified
- UK programme funding
- Around €900 million over four years
- German project competitors
- MBDA and Hypersonica