A new ‘deep precision strike’ weapon with a range exceeding 1,242 miles is in development as part of a plan to defend Europe if the war in Ukraine escalates further.
Britain and Germany announced the long-range weapon, showing that they are no longer just watching the full-scale invasion, but planning for what is to come next.
UK defence minister John Healey said today: ‘In a more dangerous world, Nato and European allies stand united.
‘The partnership is helping us make defence an engine for growth – creating jobs, boosting skills, and driving investment across the UK and Germany.’
The project is part of a bilateral defence pact both countries signed last year.
It could also be interpreted as a warning shot to Vladimir Putin, who has been pushing for more landgrab in Ukraine in the days ahead of the peace talks in Istanbul.
Not much has been revealed about the weapon itself – including the cost and the schedule of development.
A range of 1,242 miles puts in in a class far beyond conventional European systems.
Such territory is typically reserved for Russia’s Kalibr cruise missile, with a range of up to 1,550 miles, or even America’s Tomahawk, exceeding 1,000 miles.
If confirmed, it would have one of the longest-range strike capabilities in Western Europe.
For comparison, the anti-ship cruise missile Harpoon, has a range of 150 miles, while the famous Storm Shadow has a range of around 250 miles.
This new system would beat both.
The submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) Trident has the longest range of any missile in the UK’s armed forces, with the potential to strike a target 7,000 miles away.
Ministers are also expected to discuss joint procurement of torpedoes for maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, and announce a dealfor Germany’s purchase of British-made military bridges.
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