Germany Urges Europe to Build Long-Range Missiles with Ukraine by 2030
A senior German defence expert has called for Europe to develop its own long-range missiles in partnership with Ukraine. Roderich Kiesewetter, a defence policy specialist from the ruling CDU, made the proposal during a television appearance on Monday. He warned that relying solely on US systems could weaken Europe’s security position. Speaking on ARD’s Morgenmagazin on May 4, Kiesewetter criticised the US decision to scrap plans for deploying Tomahawk cruise missiles in Germany. He described the move as a 'major mistake' that would leave Europe more vulnerable. According to him, the withdrawal of these missiles poses a bigger threat than the announced reduction of 5,000 US troops stationed in the country.
Kiesewetter also argued that Europe must avoid sending a signal of weakness to Russia. He pointed out that President Vladimir Putin had already violated the INF Treaty as early as 2017. To counter this, he proposed a joint European-Ukrainian missile programme, aiming for operational capability by 2030. The CDU politician stressed the need for conventional rearmament, saying that failing to do so would only embolden Moscow. His comments come amid broader debates over Europe’s defence independence and transatlantic security cooperation.
The proposal would see Europe and Ukraine co-developing missile technology within the next six years. Kiesewetter’s remarks highlight growing concerns over reliance on US defence systems. His criticism of the Tomahawk withdrawal underscores tensions in transatlantic security policy.
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