The United States has approved the sale of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Thursday, marking a significant step in strengthening Germany’s defence capabilities despite earlier uncertainty over the planned deployment of the weapons. Speaking to lawmakers after the NATO summit in Ankara, Merz said Germany had reached an agreement with the US government to purchase the American-made Tomahawk missiles and station them on German territory. He described the move as an important measure to enhance the country's military preparedness amid evolving security challenges in Europe.

“On the sidelines of the NATO meeting in Ankara, we agreed with the American government that American Tomahawk missiles will be purchased by us and stationed in Germany,” Merz told parliament. He said the acquisition would “close an important strategic gap in our defences” while Germany continued efforts to develop indigenous European long-range missile systems. The announcement represents a shift from Merz’s remarks in May, when he indicated that plans for deploying Tomahawk missiles in Germany—originally announced under former US President Joe Biden—might not proceed.

At the time, the chancellor attributed the uncertainty to depleted US military stockpiles resulting from ongoing conflicts involving Iran and Ukraine, which had increased demand for long-range precision weapons. The Tomahawk missile is a long-range cruise missile primarily launched from submarines and naval warships. With a range of more than 1,600 kilometres (1,000 miles), it is designed to strike high-value targets with precision and has been widely used by the US military in multiple conflicts over the past several decades.

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The missile is considered a key component of NATO's long-range conventional strike capability. Merz said Germany’s purchase would complement broader European defence initiatives rather than replace them. He stressed that Berlin would continue investing in the development of European missile systems to strengthen the continent’s strategic autonomy while maintaining close cooperation with NATO allies. The decision comes against the backdrop of heightened security concerns across Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and escalating tensions in the Middle East.

NATO members have accelerated efforts to modernise their armed forces, increase defence spending and improve collective deterrence capabilities in response to a more volatile global security environment. The agreement also follows a period of diplomatic friction between Merz and US President Donald Trump over developments in Iran. In April, Merz criticised Tehran’s approach to negotiations with Washington, saying Iran was “humiliating” the United States at the negotiating table. His comments drew a sharp response from Trump, who publicly accused the German chancellor of doing a “terrible” job.

Despite those disagreements, the missile agreement signals continued defence cooperation between Berlin and Washington under the NATO alliance. Germany has increasingly sought to strengthen its military capabilities as part of its broader commitment to European security and collective defence. The purchase of Tomahawk missiles is expected to reinforce Germany’s long-range strike capability while supporting NATO’s deterrence posture. Further details regarding the number of missiles, delivery timelines and deployment arrangements have not yet been disclosed by either government.

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