The United States has authorized the sale of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Germany, according to Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who noted the deal was reached during a NATO summit in Ankara. Merz stated the purchase and stationing of these weapons in Germany would address a shortfall in the nation’s defense capabilities. A letter of intent has been signed by US and German defense ministers, with final approval for Tomahawks and Typhon ground launchers expected by August; the number of missiles remains undisclosed. German officials view the long-range cruise missiles—capable of hitting targets over 1,600 kilometers away—as a deterrent against Russia, citing the absence of comparable European systems. Berlin also plans to finance roughly half of a $50 billion joint European initiative to develop indigenous long-range precision weapons.