The United Kingdom and Germany have officially launched a joint defence project to develop a long-range precision strike missile, marking a significant step in bolstering European strategic deterrence amid mounting geopolitical instability.
Announced on May 15, 2025, the initiative was unveiled by UK Defence Secretary John Healey and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. The missile system will be developed under the European Long Strike Approach (ELSA) and is expected to have a range exceeding 2,000 kilometers.
“This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to a stronger, sovereign European defence posture,” said Secretary Healey during the joint press briefing in Berlin.
Strategic Significance
The long-range missile, once operational, will significantly enhance Europe’s deep-strike capabilities, enabling rapid response to emerging threats across the continent and beyond.
Key features of the proposed system include:
- High-precision targeting for strategic military objectives
- Advanced propulsion and stealth technology
- Interoperability with NATO and EU defence platforms
- Deployment readiness by the early 2030s
The missile is designed to fill a critical capability gap in Europe’s defence architecture as it seeks to reduce reliance on U.S. platforms and address threats from adversaries such as Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Part of a Larger European Strategy
The program is a flagship project under ELSA, which aims to coordinate long-range strike development across Europe and promote joint procurement to reduce costs and improve operational synergy.
“This is not just a weapons program it’s a political signal of European unity in the face of global insecurity,” said Minister Pistorius.
Industry and Defence Impact
The project will involve major defence contractors from both countries, including BAE Systems and Rheinmetall, and is expected to generate thousands of high-tech jobs. It also positions the UK and Germany as leaders in the next generation of European missile systems.
The announcement comes amid broader UK defence reforms outlined in the Strategic Defence Review, and follows closely after the UK’s renewed defence pact with the European Union signed in London this week.
International Reactions
Analysts view the move as a strategic counterweight to Russia’s expanding missile arsenal and a response to recent Chinese military assertiveness. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the collaboration, calling it “a vital step in reinforcing the alliance’s collective deterrence.”
