NATO has acknowledged that Europe still lacks long-range strike capabilities, Politico reported, citing an unnamed senior alliance diplomat.

In July 2024, the previous US administration and the German government announced plans to deploy American precision missile systems on German territory starting in 2026. These systems were expected to significantly surpass the weapons already stationed in Europe. The plans specifically included SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles, as well as hypersonic weapons.

However, last week, the Financial Times, citing a Pentagon source, reported that the United States intends to reconsider the decision to deploy a battalion with long-range weapons amid a planned reduction of its military contingent in Germany.

According to Politico, a senior NATO diplomat acknowledged that Europe still lacks the capabilities needed for long-range warfare.

The outlet notes that Germany may face a shortage of missile weapons after the reduction of US troop numbers. Berlin had expected Washington to soon deploy long-range missiles in Germany capable of striking deep into Russian territory, but Politico writes that this plan is now effectively dead.

The unnamed NATO diplomat told the publication that any reduction in military capabilities in Europe’s current geopolitical situation is a cause for concern. At the same time, according to Politico, European countries currently have no direct replacement for Tomahawk missiles.

German parliament member Metin Hakverdi told the newspaper that the US administration’s decision not to deploy cruise missiles in Germany is dangerous because it creates a gap in NATO’s deterrence against Russia. Moscow, however, has repeatedly stressed that it has no intention of attacking NATO countries.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Sunday that he does not expect Tomahawk missiles to be deployed in Germany, although he did not rule out that the situation could change in the future.

Russian President Vladimir Putin previously warned that if the United States deploys weapons in Germany, Russia will consider itself free from its moratorium on deploying intermediate- and shorter-range strike systems.