Germany to host US long-range missiles in 2026 in response to Russian deployment

Germany will host US long-range missiles starting in 2026, a move framed as a countermeasure to the deployment of Russian Iskander tactical missile systems in the Kaliningrad Region, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced on July 18.

Pistorius explained that "what the United States will do in Germany from 2026 is nothing else but a response to Russia’s threat represented by the deployment of Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad," Caliber.Az quotes him as telling foreign media.

Pistorius emphasized that Germany has not faced the issue of weapons deployment for 35 years. He argued that the presence of US missiles in Germany is necessary for nuclear deterrence. "When everyone comes to realize that Germany and NATO are capable of successfully defending themselves, this will reduce the probability of an attack on us," he added.

The US White House press office announced on July 10 that the United States would begin deploying long-range capabilities in Germany in 2026, significantly extending the range of current land-based fires in Europe. Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov warned that these US plans increase the likelihood of a missile race and could lead to uncontrolled escalation.