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Breaking News: Germany plans to acquire US Typhon missile systems to strengthen defense against Russian missiles.
On July 14, 2025, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed during his visit to Washington that Germany had officially submitted a request to purchase US-made Typhon missile systems, as later reported by the Deutsche Press Agency. The announcement followed meetings with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and comes amid Germany's efforts to increase deterrence capabilities. Pistorius acknowledged that the Typhon’s range of up to 2,500 kilometers would technically allow strikes into Russian territory, but emphasized that the system would serve exclusively as a defensive measure in the event of a conventional first strike. According to Pistorius, the purchase has not yet been finalized, but Hegseth reacted positively to the proposal.
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The Typhon, which is positioned as a mid-tier solution between short-range tactical missiles and high-end hypersonic assets, leverages large existing stockpiles of SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles. (Picture source: US DoD)
Germany also views this purchase as an interim solution until joint European land-based long-range missile programs, developed with partners such as the United Kingdom, become operational, a process expected to take between seven and ten years. The Typhon system, also known as the Mid-Range Capability (MRC) or Strategic Mid-Range Fires (SMRF) system, was developed by Lockheed Martin for the US Army. It includes four launchers, a battery operations center, command vehicles, prime movers, trailers, and support infrastructure. It integrates modified versions of the US Navy’s Mk 41 Vertical Launch System and uses both Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of up to 2,500 kilometers and Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) interceptors with a range of approximately 500 kilometers. Designed for multi-domain operations, the Typhon enables ground-based launch of existing air- and sea-launched missiles and fills the range gap between the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) and the future Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW). The Typhon system has been deployed for operational use in the Indo-Pacific region and is planned to be introduced to US forces in Europe by fiscal year 2026, starting with the 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) in Wiesbaden, Germany. According to Pistorius, the acquisition would counterbalance the missile capabilities already fielded by Russia and signal Germany's intent to reinforce NATO's deterrence posture.
The BGM-109 Tomahawk is a long-range, subsonic, all-weather cruise missile, capable of being launched from surface ships, submarines, and ground-based platforms. It can fly at altitudes of 30 to 50 meters above ground level and reach speeds of approximately 920 km/h, with operational ranges varying from 700 km (Block III TLAM-D) to over 1,660 km (Block Vb, with exact range classified) depending on the variant. Its navigation relies on a combination of GPS, inertial guidance, terrain contour matching (TERCOM), and Digital Scene Matching Area Correlation (DSMAC), enabling a claimed accuracy of around 10 meters. The missile supports dynamic targeting, including in-flight retargeting and battle damage assessment via satellite datalink, and can loiter before striking. Recent variants, such as Block Va and Vb, offer enhanced anti-ship and hardened-target penetration capabilities respectively, while modernization efforts have included network-centric upgrades that allow the missile to receive and transmit targeting data with other platforms such as aircraft, UAVs, ships, and satellites. The missile can carry various warheads, including 450 kg high explosive unitary charges, submunition dispensers, and, in earlier variants, W80 nuclear warheads, though these were retired between 2010 and 2013.
The RIM-174 Standard ERAM (SM-6) is a two-stage missile developed by Raytheon for the United States Navy, combining the airframe of the SM-2ER Block IV with the active radar seeker of the AIM-120C AMRAAM. It is designed to perform multiple roles, including extended-range anti-air warfare, terminal-phase ballistic missile defense, and high-speed anti-ship missions. The missile uses inertial guidance with terminal active and semi-active radar homing, and can be launched from surface ships using the Mk 41 VLS or from land-based Typhon launchers. The SM-6 is capable of engaging fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. It also supports over-the-horizon targeting via Cooperative Engagement Capability. Its official maximum range is listed as 240 kilometers, but other estimates suggest it can reach 370 to 460 kilometers, with a flight ceiling above 34,000 meters and a maximum speed of Mach 3.5. The warhead weighs 64 kilograms and uses radar and contact fuzing. The missile has been tested against subsonic and supersonic cruise missile targets, including over land and in "engage-on-remote" scenarios, and has repeatedly set records for the longest-range naval intercepts.
During the visit, Pistorius also confirmed that Germany is preparing the delivery of two Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. The delivery will be financed by Germany, but technical, financial, and logistical details are still under review. Two delivery options are under consideration. Germany may acquire two Patriot units directly from US stockpiles for immediate transfer to Ukraine. Alternatively, the Bundeswehr could transfer two of its nine existing systems and receive replacements from US inventories at a later date. Pistorius previously raised the proposal in a phone call with Hegseth and described the situation as urgent. Ukraine has already received three Patriot batteries from Germany, reducing Berlin’s inventory from 36 during the Cold War to its current total. A single Patriot battery includes launchers that resemble a large truck chassis and can carry up to four launch containers, each loaded with a combination of interceptor missiles depending on configuration. The system can engage aircraft, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles at ranges of up to 100 kilometers and altitudes of up to 30 kilometers.
Pistorius also addressed the scheduled deployment of US long-range missile systems in Germany from 2026, an agreement reached under the previous Biden administration. These systems include the Typhon and the developmental hypersonic weapon known as Dark Eagle, with a projected range of around 3,000 kilometers. While Pistorius said he remains confident the agreement is still valid, he noted that a final decision by Washington is pending. Discussions also covered a broader reassessment of the US force posture in Europe. The United States currently maintains approximately 80,000 troops across Europe, with 40,000 stationed in Germany. European allies, including Berlin, have urged Washington to ensure any drawdown is coordinated to prevent operational gaps. Pistorius stated that Hegseth agreed to a transparent and cooperative approach if troop reductions occur. Germany’s defense budget is expected to rise from €95 billion in 2025 to €162 billion ($189 billion) by 2029, in line with the country’s objective to meet NATO’s updated spending target of 3.5 percent of GDP.
The Typhon MRC integrates modified versions of the US Navy’s Mk 41 Vertical Launch System and uses both Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) interceptors with a range of approximately 500 kilometers and Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of up to 2,500 kilometers. (Picture source: US DoD)
The Typhon missile system was first deployed abroad in April 2024 during the Salaknib joint US-Philippine military exercises. It remains stationed in Northern Luzon and has been the subject of repeated criticism by the Chinese government. The deployment was undertaken by the US Army’s 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, which transported the system from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, via a C-17 Globemaster III. The missile battery consists of four launchers and associated support vehicles. Since its arrival, the system has not been withdrawn, and Philippine officials have expressed interest in acquiring a second unit. The mobility of the system has been demonstrated through subsequent redeployments within Luzon to undisclosed locations. The Pentagon aims to refine its regional deployment logistics and has tested maritime transport of the system from the Port of Tacoma to assess long-distance flexibility. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro stated that the Typhon system supports the country’s defense posture and improves the readiness of armed forces personnel.
In response to these deployments, China has repeatedly called for the system’s removal and warned that it contributes to a regional arms race. Beijing labeled the deployment destabilizing and condemned the US and Philippine governments for their decisions. According to Philippine National Security Advisor Eduardo Año, the Philippines has no plan to return the system and values it for training and deterrence purposes. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr stated that he would only consider returning the system if China stopped aggressive actions, including harassment of Filipino vessels and fishermen in the West Philippine Sea. Meanwhile, US Indo-Pacific Command continues to coordinate with the Philippines on training and exercises involving the Typhon. The 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force is currently preparing a second Typhon battery for deployment in the region. According to Army officials, discussions are underway to evaluate the possibility of live-fire exercises during upcoming operations, such as Operation Pathways, aimed at enhancing cooperation with regional allies and countering Chinese influence.
The Typhon system’s integration into the US Army’s strategic posture reflects a broader modernization initiative aimed at addressing the evolving threat landscape. According to the Congressional Research Service report from March 2025, advances in Russian and Chinese artillery, UAV employment, and specialized munitions such as thermobaric or loitering weapons have increased pressure on US forces. In response, the US Army is expanding its LRPF capabilities, including the Typhon, which is positioned as a mid-tier solution between short-range tactical missiles and high-end hypersonic assets. It leverages large existing stockpiles of SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles. Over 800 SM-6 units are scheduled for acquisition over the next five years, while thousands of Tomahawk missiles are already in inventory. The US military has avoided specifying how many systems will be deployed in the Indo-Pacific or Europe, but the fielding of four MDTFs with Typhon batteries is planned by 2028. The fourth MDTF, to be based at Fort Carson, Colorado, will also focus on Pacific scenarios, while the fifth MDTF, based at Fort Bragg, will support flexible responses in other regions.
Germany’s request to acquire Typhon systems is the latest step in a wider trend among European NATO members to adapt to changing US policies and increased uncertainty about Washington’s long-term military commitments. The visit by Pistorius coincided with President Trump’s announcement that the US would no longer pay for Patriot systems sent to Ukraine. Instead, allies like Germany would directly fund the procurement of US weapons for Kyiv. Trump reiterated this position during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, stating that the US would manufacture the systems, but not purchase them for foreign use. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed Trump’s proposal to supply Ukraine with weapons, saying it demonstrated a joint commitment to pressure Russia into negotiations. Merz emphasized that Germany’s involvement serves national and European security interests and helps to counter Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian cities. The broader strategic goal is to coordinate NATO contributions and prevent Russia from perceiving any division among alliance members. The decision on the Patriots for Ukraine is expected within weeks, while Germany awaits formal US response to the Typhon acquisition request.