Germany is restarting efforts to acquire American Tomahawk cruise missiles after the Pentagon canceled plans to deploy a U.S. battalion with the weapons in Europe, creating a strategic gap in NATO’s deterrence against Russia. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius plans a Washington visit to revive Berlin’s request for Tomahawks and their Typhon ground-launchers, a proposal first submitted in July 2025. The move comes amid strained relations between Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz and U.S. President Donald Trump, who withdrew 5,000 troops from Germany and rejected the deployment.

Pistorius aims to secure the systems to bolster Germany’s long-range strike capabilities, particularly after Russia stationed nuclear-capable Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad, threatening Berlin’s security. Lockheed Martin’s Typhon launchers and Tomahawk Block VB missiles are central to the deal, with Germany reportedly considering paying extra to expedite the transaction. The U.S. has not yet responded to Berlin’s renewed offer, complicating efforts to fill the void left by the canceled deployment. Experts warn the plan may face hurdles, as Washington’s missile stockpiles are depleted from Iran operations, and Trump’s NATO skepticism casts doubt on future support.