Friedrich Merz, chancellor of Germany, announced on Thursday that the country has reached an agreement with the United States to purchase «Tomahawk» cruise missiles and ground-based launch systems «Typhon»; an action, according to him, that will fill a «strategic gap» in Germany’s defense capability.

According to Reuters, the deal was finalized on the sidelines of the NATO leaders’ summit in Ankara, and Washington is expected to issue official authorization for the sale of these systems in August. The number of missiles and launchers being purchased has not been announced for security reasons.

This decision is considered an important change in Germany’s defense policy. While previously it was planned that the United States would temporarily deploy its long-range missiles on German soil, Berlin is now seeking to create an independent capability to carry out long-range strikes.

This approach is aligned with the policy of Donald Trump, president of the United States, who has asked European allies to take on greater responsibility for their own security and to purchase the military equipment they need.