Germany and UK launch joint missile project to reduce US reliance

Germany and the UK have announced a major new defense partnership to develop a long-range precision missile, part of a broader push for greater European military independence from the United States under president Donald Trump.

At a joint press conference in Berlin, defense ministers Boris Pistorius and John Healey said the missile will have a range of over 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles) and be capable of deep precision strikes.

“The threat landscape shows we must close all capability gaps — and do so quickly,” Pistorius said, confirming the project is already underway.

The weapon is being developed under the European Long-Range Strike Approach (ELSA), co-led by Berlin and London. Several European nations have already signed a letter of intent to join the effort.

Healey said the partnership reflects a broader need for European powers to “step up” in securing the continent. “The best way to do that is for leading nations like Germany and the UK to do more together,” he said.

The ministers also announced plans for joint torpedo procurement and a new defense tech forum.

Earlier this year, chancellor Friedrich Merz called for “real independence” in Europe’s defense policy, warning that the U.S. has become an unpredictable ally.

Copied