Additional Coverage:
- The war in Ukraine has ‘opened Pandora’s box’ in Europe, and now new strike weapons are on the way, nuclear weapons expert says (newsbreak.com)
The United States is set to position advanced long-range weapon systems in Europe, with significant enhancements in military arsenals also underway by its allies. According to a nuclear weapons specialist, these developments are a direct response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has effectively unleashed new military potentials.
In response to the harsh tactics used by Russia in its conflict against Ukraine—including the deployment of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones against Ukrainian cities—there’s a growing realization in the West about potential vulnerabilities and the need to modernize their military capabilities. This situation has spurred the US and European nations to move quickly to enhance their military capabilities, a shift underscored by recent NATO acknowledgments of the escalating risks of conflict escalation akin to Cold War tensions.
This month, the US detailed its plan to deploy new long-range weaponry systems in Germany by 2026, which could include cutting-edge hardware like SM-6, Tomahawk, and developing hypersonic missiles. These systems notably boast a longer range than any current land-based arsenal in Europe.
Following the US announcement, several European countries including France, Poland, Germany, and Italy, revealed initiatives to develop new ground-launched cruise missiles. French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu emphasized the strategic necessity of these developments on the battlefield, as highlighted by the war in Ukraine.
The initiative reflects a significant pivot in military strategy for Europe and the US, influenced heavily by the ongoing Russian aggression. The use of conventional long-range strike capabilities could crucially impact operational strategies by targeting deep within enemy lines and potentially deterring further escalations.
However, these weapons raise significant risks of escalation and misinterpretation, especially given their ability to be deployed swiftly which could confuse a nuclear-armed adversary about the nature of the payload. Historical arms control efforts like the INF Treaty, which the US exited in 2019 accusing Russia of violations, had previously banned such missile systems to prevent escalation.
This departure from the treaty has led to an accelerated development and testing of new missile systems by both the US and Russia, intensifying concerns about an arms race. This includes efforts in the US to develop systems like the Typhon, which can launch Tomahawk and Standard Missile 6, and the Army’s ongoing project on Long-Range Hypersonic Weapons, despite some delays and budget issues.
The European push to enhance their long-range capabilities also reflects a broader reassessment of their defense strategies, increasingly focusing on strengthening domestic defenses beyond reliance on the US, partly fueled by concerns over potentially wavering US support under future administrations.
This shift underscores a significant move within NATO countries towards self-reliance and proactive defense postures, a trend that is also shaped by uncertainties about US commitments to European defense under potential future political scenarios, including a second Trump presidency. This strategy shift marks a crucial point in NATO’s collective defense strategy amidst evolving global threats and geopolitical dynamics.