Rutte sees no new risks with Russia over US missiles for Germany

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte does not believe Germany's planned purchase of US-made Tomahawk medium-range cruise missiles will increase the risk of escalation with Russia.

"We are a defensive alliance. That means that we will never attack anyone, but we have to defend ourselves," Rutte told dpa.

He said stationing Tomahawks in Germany was about credible deterrence and ensuring the alliance could defend itself if necessary.

Germany announced plans to buy the missiles shortly after last week's NATO summit in Ankara. Chancellor Friedrich Merz had previously secured a commitment from US President Donald Trump that Washington would formally approve the sale of the cruise missiles and Typhon launch systems.

Rutte called the move "excellent news," saying it would provide "an extra layer of confidence to our collective deterrence and defence."

Credible deterrence depended on being able to defend the alliance, Rutte added, describing it as very important for the Tomahawks to form part of NATO's joint deterrence.

According to the German military, the Typhon system can launch Tomahawk missiles with a range of around 2,500 kilometres, exceeding that of any comparable system currently available in Europe.

Germany's armed forces currently rely solely on the Taurus cruise missile for long-range strikes, according to the military. Its range of around 500 kilometres is significantly shorter.

Tomahawks could be used to strike targets deep behind enemy lines with precision, including command centres, military airfields and launch sites for long-range missiles.