UK, Germany to Jointly Develop Over 2,000 Km Precision Strike Weapon
The UK and Germany will jointly develop a “deep-precision strike” weapon with a range of over 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles) in the coming years.
No details of the future capability have yet been disclosed. It is also unclear whether it will be a cruise or a ballistic missile.
The long-range weapon is expected to be delivered in the 2030s and will far exceed the range of the current British Storm Shadow and the German Taurus air-launched cruise missiles.
“The new 2,000 km precision deep strike capability will be among the most advanced systems ever designed by the UK, to safeguard the British public and reinforce NATO deterrence, while boosting the UK and European defence sectors,” the UK Ministry of Defence stated.
Trinity House Agreement
The announcement follows the signing of the landmark Trinity House Agreement on Defence Co-operation between the two countries in October.
Signed amid Russia’s Ukraine invasion, the agreement intends to best secure the two countries’ shared interests in defense.
Additional initiatives following the agreement include procuring new air-launched Sting Ray torpedoes.
The countries have also agreed to enable Germany to procure general support bridges through an existing UK contract.
“The UK and Germany have never been closer, and the Trinity House Agreement is already making a positive impact on our security and economy,” UK Defence Secretary John Healey said.
“This partnership is helping us make defence an engine for growth – creating jobs, boosting skills, and driving investment across the UK and Germany.”
