US to Deploy Long-Range Missiles in Europe, Including Non-Existent Hypersonic Weapons

The United States and Germany have announced plans for the deployment of long-range missiles in Germany, including systems like the SM-6 anti-air missile and Tomahawk cruise missile. The deployment is set to begin in 2026, marking a significant development following the US's withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty in 2019. As part of the Multi-Domain Task Force, the US will station these weapons in Germany, marking a break from the ban that was in place for land-launched missiles with a range between 500km and 5,500km in Europe under the INF treaty.

The White House revealed that in addition to the SM-6 and Tomahawk systems, developmental hypersonic weapons will also be stationed in Germany, with a range expected to surpass current land-based fires in Europe. Despite the US's history of canceling hypersonic projects post their successful test in 2017, plans are underway to deploy these advanced weapons. The US justified its withdrawal from the INF treaty in 2019 by accusing Russia of breaching the agreement, a claim that Moscow denied, with the two countries engaging in diplomatic tensions regarding the treaty's demise.

Prior to the deployment in Germany, the US conducted training exercises with the SM-6 missiles in Denmark and deployed the Typhon Weapon System to the Philippines earlier in 2021. This move comes amidst growing concerns and actions from Russia, with President Vladimir Putin criticizing the US for producing and deploying missile systems in various locations. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, the US's forthcoming deployment of long-range missiles signals a strategic shift in its military presence in Europe.