Britain, Germany plan 2,000-mile range missiles to counter Russian threat PHOTO
Britain and Germany are reportedly exploring the development of long-range missiles capable of neutralizing nuclear weapons launched from Russia.
Diplomatic sources disclosed that the UK is planning to collaborate with Germany on this initiative, with the goal of building a weapon with a range of approximately 2,000 miles, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.
The envisioned missiles would enable strikes from locations such as Berlin directly to Moscow, specifically designed to counter any deployment of tactical nuclear weapons by Russian President Vladimir Putin. This plan emerges as part of broader efforts to enhance European security and deterrence capabilities.
John Healey, the UK's Defence Secretary, discussed this strategic initiative with his German counterpart during a recent visit to Berlin. Healey's visit was part of a broader 48-hour diplomatic mission across Europe aimed at strengthening cooperation between the UK and its allies under the "NATO-first" defence strategy.
The proposed long-range missiles would potentially be stationed in Germany, replacing a forthcoming deployment of US missiles planned for 2026. This US deployment, announced earlier this month, marks the first time since the Cold War that long-range US missiles will be stationed in Germany and has elicited a strong response from Moscow.
A diplomatic source highlighted concerns about recent statements from Russian officials, suggesting a lowered threshold for the use of tactical nuclear weapons. "This is a worrying development," the source noted, reflecting broader apprehension among NATO allies about the stability of nuclear deterrence in the region.