Politics · Germany · 17 hrs ago
Germany discusses buying long-range missiles from several producers
Germany is discussing purchases of long-range missiles from several producers as it seeks to expand its arsenal.
The talks include a possible joint production and purchase deal with Ukraine for Bars cruise missiles, whose maker has not been publicly identified.
Germany is also considering Ruta missiles from Dutch company Destinus and HS1 missiles being developed by German-British startup Hypersonica.
A potential deal for 1,000 Anthem missiles from US-Israeli company Covenant is valued at more than €1 billion, while Tomahawk and launch-system deliveries could be delayed by up to five years.
Germany currently uses air-launched Taurus missiles, with a range of about 500 kilometres, and is seeking weapons that can reach much farther.
Large numbers of lower-cost missiles could overwhelm air defences, and Germany’s wider plan for long-range weapons is intended to deter Russia.
The discussions have not yet produced confirmed contracts, and Germany’s first deliveries of new missiles could begin as early as 2027, according to one German army official.
Germany is discussing purchases of long-range missiles from several producers, including European, Ukrainian and US-linked companies.
The talks include a potential contract worth more than 1 billion euros for Covenant’s Anthem missiles.
Germany is also considering Ruta missiles from Destinus and HS1 missiles developed by Hypersonica, as well as Ukrainian Bars missiles.
The discussions come as planned US deliveries of Tomahawk missiles and Typhon launch systems could be delayed by up to five years.
- Who
- Germany’s Ministry of Defence is discussing purchases with Covenant, Destinus, Hypersonica and Ukrainian counterparts.
- What
- Germany is considering buying or jointly producing long-range missiles from several suppliers.
- When
- The reports were published on October 23, 2026.
- Where
- The talks concern Germany and producers in the United States, the Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom, and Ukraine.
- Why
- Germany aims to build up its long-range weapons arsenal; the reported strategy is to overwhelm an adversary’s air defences.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
German Army inspector Christian Freuding said the Bundeswehr intended to acquire low-cost cruise missiles able to strike targets about 1,500 kilometres away.
Reports said Germany was discussing missile purchases with several producers and that US Tomahawk and Typhon deliveries could be delayed by up to five years.
- Anthem
- Potential contract worth more than 1 billion euros
- Anthem range
- More than 2,000 kilometres
- Potential suppliers
- Covenant, Destinus, Hypersonica and Ukrainian producers
- Other missiles considered
- Ruta, HS1 and Bars
- Possible US delivery delay
- Up to five years for Tomahawk missiles and Typhon launch systems