Berlin considers Tomahawk missiles amid European delay
Germany is considering purchasing a land-based version of the renowned Tomahawk missiles, reports the German service Hartpunkt, citing sources familiar with the matter. The American cruise missiles would provide a temporary enhancement to Germany's long-range strike capabilities before Berlin acquires ground-based missiles under the European Long-Range Strike Approach (ELSA) programme, in which Poland is also a participant.
Germany is interested in purchasing Tomahawk cruise missiles because they meet Berlin's requirements for long-range strike capabilities. This type of weapon allows for the attack on targets as far as 2,000 kilometres away, including command centres, ammunition depots, and air bases located deep in enemy territory.
Tomahawks for Germany
As noted by Hartpunkt, the war in Ukraine has exposed European shortages in long-range precision weaponry. These are to be supplemented through the development of the ELSA (European Long Strike Approach) system. An agreement on this matter was signed in July 2024 by the defence ministers of France, the United Kingdom, Poland, Germany, Italy, and Sweden. The initiative aims to develop a European missile system with a range of 1,000 to 2,000 kilometres. However, it is uncertain whether the European defence industry will be able to offer such a system by the end of this decade. "Especially since no order has been placed so far," notes Hartpunkt.
The purchase of Tomahawks will allow Germany to maintain key combat capabilities until the development of a European equivalent. At the same time, Berlin signed a separate agreement in July 2024 with the United States regarding the rotational deployment of American long-range missile systems on German soil, with the possibility of a permanent presence in the future. However, it remains uncertain whether the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump will implement these plans in their original form.
According to Hartpunkt, Germany may receive the Typhon system belonging to the U.S. Army, capable of launching both Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles. In the future, the deployment of batteries with hypersonic Dark Eagle missiles, which are still being developed, is also possible.
Tomahawk missiles
Tomahawk cruise missiles are one of the most recognisable and versatile weapons in the arsenal of the U.S. armed forces and their allies. Designed for precise long-range strikes, they specialise in neutralising strategic targets, such as command centres, critical infrastructure, ammunition depots, and military facilities of high operational importance. Thanks to their ability to fly at low altitudes using terrain contours, Tomahawks can effectively avoid detection by radar systems and counter enemy air defences.
Their range exceeds 2,000 kilometres, enabling long-distance attacks while minimising risk to crews and combat platforms. These missiles are guided by advanced GPS, inertial, and radar navigation systems, allowing for remarkable precision even in challenging combat conditions. They can be launched from surface ships, submarines, and mobile land launchers, making them an extremely flexible tool in military operations.
It is worth noting that the Tomahawk missiles were developed in the 1970s and entered service in 1983. Several variants have been created, including those with nuclear warheads, anti-radar capabilities, and conventional or cluster warheads. There are also versions intended for launch from surface ships (RGM) and submarines (UGM), as well as the land-based BGM variant, launched from mobile launch containers.
