Germany to purchase US Tomahawk missiles following NATO summit

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced to the Bundestag that Germany will purchase US Tomahawk long-range missiles. The agreement was finalized on the sidelines of the recent NATO summit in Ankara. This decision follows a shift in US policy; while the Biden administration previously promised the free deployment of Tomahawks, SM-6, and hypersonic weapons by 2026, the plan was abandoned under the Trump administration, leading to new purchase negotiations. Chancellor Merz stated that this acquisition addresses a significant strategic gap in the defense of Germany and Europe. He emphasized that Germany remains committed to the long-term development of autonomous European weapon systems. Additionally, Merz praised the results of the NATO summit in Ankara as exceeding expectations, citing a united and strong alliance. The announcement was made as part of a broader government statement regarding national political and economic reforms.