Key Points

Germany's Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and UK Defence Secretary John Healey have joined forces to develop a groundbreaking "Deep Precision Strike Capability." This system is designed to target distances exceeding 2,000 km and aims to close existing defense gaps. The collaboration not only reinforces NATO's deterrence structure but also boosts the defense sectors of both countries. As European nations strive for more autonomy in defense, the initiative emphasizes the importance of inter-European cooperation amid evolving global threats.

Key Points: Boris Pistorius and John Healey Unveil Advanced Strike Plans

  • Germany and UK launch advanced missile system plans
  • Weapon targets 2,000 km precision for Europe and NATO security
  • Collaboration includes boosting defense sectors
2 min read

Germany, Britain to develop new 'deep precision strike' weapons

Germany's Boris Pistorius and UK's John Healey collaborate on 2,000-km 'Deep Precision Strike Capability' to enhance European defense.

"The current threat situation makes it absolutely clear that we need to close all capability gaps. - Boris Pistorius"

Berlin, May 16

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and visiting British Defence Secretary John Healey have agreed to start working on a new "Deep Precision Strike Capability" system aimed at a range of more than 2,000 km.

Given the current threat situation, there is an urgent need for such long-range weapons and to close the "Deep Precision Strike" capability gap, said a statement issued by the German Defence Ministry on Thursday after their meeting.

British Ministry of Defence said that the new 2,000-km precision deep strike capability will be among the most advanced systems ever designed by Britain, to safeguard the British public and reinforce NATO deterrence, while boosting British and European defence sectors.

Germany's Boris Pistorius said work on the missiles had begun and would be critical for European security.

"The current threat situation makes it absolutely clear that we need to close all capability gaps," Pistorius said.

"And we need to do that as quickly as possible."

Europe's governments have looked to establish more independence from US military technology amid doubts about Washington's future commitment to Europe's security.

Both Germany and Britain also agreed to strengthen cooperation in terms of equipment systems, countering undersea threats, and developing further connectivity between their air forces.

The two Ministers also discussed support for Ukraine as well as the upcoming NATO summit in June, where discussions are expected to focus on defence budget sharing among NATO member countries.

The new German federal government has promised to step up its spending on national defence and build a strong army.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in February that Europe would have to work to achieve "real independence" from the US, whose leadership now seemed "largely indifferent" to the fate of Europe.

The Defence Ministers also pointed to other projects their countries were working on, including joint procurement of torpedoes and the establishment of a new forum bringing together defence firms from each nation.

"European nations in NATO must do more and step up to strengthen European security," Healey said.

"The best way to do that is for leading nations like Germany and the UK to do more together."

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said earlier on Thursday that the country backs proposal to increase defence spending to five per cent of GDP.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Interesting development! While European nations focus on their security, we must ensure India's defense capabilities keep pace. Our DRDO should accelerate indigenous missile programs like Agni-VI. Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense is the need of the hour! 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
Europe spending billions on weapons while millions starve... priorities seem wrong. We should learn from this - India must balance defense needs with development goals. Our defense budget is already quite high compared to health/education spending.
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Arjun S.
Western nations always talk about peace but keep developing deadlier weapons. Hypocrisy much? India should maintain strategic autonomy and not get drawn into arms races. Our nuclear doctrine of 'No First Use' makes more sense than these aggressive postures.
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Sunita R.
Good that Europe is reducing dependence on US. India should also diversify defense partnerships - maybe collaborate more with France, Israel while strengthening our own R&D. But 2000km range weapons? Sounds like they're preparing for something big... 🤔
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Vikram J.
Meanwhile China is watching closely and taking notes. We need to be alert - any advancement in European missile tech will likely be copied/reverse-engineered by PLA. Our defense forces must prepare for more sophisticated threats at LAC in coming years.
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Neha P.
The timing is suspicious with Ukraine war ongoing. Instead of escalating tensions, world powers should focus on diplomacy. India's balanced approach in foreign policy serves us well - we shouldn't get drawn into these Western military alliances.

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