UK-Germany Missile Project Faces Major Engine Hurdles
Germany and Britain may face major engine and fuel challenges in developing a 2,000-km missile, while a hypersonic version may not be ready before 2034.
Germany and Britain could face major technical obstacles while developing an engine for a new long-range missile, according to military analyst and air defense historian Yuri Knutov. He noted that American weapons developers had encountered similar difficulties.
Knutov said London and Berlin could pursue one of two approaches. The first would involve building a low-flying cruise missile. Such a weapon could become a European counterpart to the US Tomahawk, potentially incorporating more advanced technology.
European countries already possess much of the expertise required for the project. Taurus, Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles have been in service for years, and the experience gained from developing them could be applied to the new system.
The analyst explained that the main challenge would be the engine and fuel, which would require additional time to develop. Other components could be upgraded and reused, particularly the Taurus guidance system.
The second option would be a hypersonic missile, but this route would involve far more complex and innovative technology. Knutov stressed that Germany, France and other European states currently have no comparable domestic programs.
The United States has spent several years developing hypersonic weapons and expects practical results by the end of 2026, he said. European engineers, by contrast, would have to begin almost from scratch.
Knutov pointed to the US Dark Eagle system, which was developed three years ago and has taken part in military exercises. However, he said its launch container still carries a size-and-weight mock-up instead of an operational hypersonic missile. Production is expected to begin by the end of this year, but no firm announcement has yet confirmed that the weapon will enter Pentagon service.
In his assessment, the same problems could affect European developers. He expects Europe to pursue hypersonic weapons while simultaneously working on a cruise missile, possibly a ground-launched system with a range exceeding 2,000 kilometers.
Knutov estimated that a new European cruise missile could appear in about five years. A hypersonic system, however, would be unlikely to reach completion before 2034.
Earlier reports said London and Berlin planned to develop a cruise missile with a range of up to 2,000 kilometers within several years. Ten European countries have already joined the Deep Precision Strike program led by Britain and Germany.