Europe’s Long-Range Weaponry Crisis
Washington’s decision not to station a Long-Range Fires Battalion on the continent has laid bare a critical weakness in European arsenals: a severe shortage of missiles capable of striking deep into enemy territory. With delivery timelines for next-generation long-range systems stretching into the 2030s, European nations must now weigh three main strategies to rapidly fill this gap.
Three Possible Paths Forward
- Acquiring Ukrainian Systems: Over the past four years, Ukraine has built up a formidable long-range arsenal, including drones and both light and heavy cruise missiles. Its FP-1 and An-196 Liutyi systems, for instance, boast ranges exceeding 1,500 kilometers with warheads up to 120 kilograms. Meanwhile, smaller cruise missiles like Bars, Peklo, and Palianytsia cover 500 to 800 kilometers. These platforms could serve as valuable additions to Europe’s stockpile.
- Purchasing Off-the-Shelf Solutions: Outside Europe, the United States offers the Tomahawk missile (1,600-kilometer range) and the JASSM-ER. Yet Finland, the Netherlands, and Poland won’t receive their ordered JASSM-ERs until around 2032. European suppliers like Destinus produce the short-range Ruta cruise missile (over 300 kilometers), with the Ruta Block 2 extending beyond 800 kilometers. MBDA also markets the SCALP-EG, but annual production caps at roughly 100 units.
- Accelerating Domestic Development Programs: France’s Land Cruise Missile program won’t begin deliveries before 2028 at the earliest, and a joint British-German project remains in the design phase. German military analyst Fabian Hoffmann notes:
‘The US decision not to deploy the Long-Range Fires Battalion in Europe has exposed a longstanding problem: European arsenals lack missiles capable of deep strikes, and delivery schedules have slipped into the 2030s.’
None of these options is ideal. Each involves trade-offs that could slow Europe’s response to emerging threats. The situation demands urgent action, as European officials view the late 2020s as the period of greatest risk.
This long-range weaponry shortfall underscores the need for immediate steps to bolster the region’s defenses. Given the lack of adequate stockpiles and persistent delays in new systems, European countries should seriously explore partnerships with Ukraine and other suppliers while investing in homegrown technology. Such moves may prove critical to ensuring security amid escalating threats in the near future.
As Europe grapples with its missile shortages, the implications of the US's dwindling missile stocks in Iran could further complicate the situation. Understanding how these developments impact Ukraine's defense capabilities is crucial for European nations seeking to enhance their arsenals. For a deeper analysis on the consequences of the depleted US missile resources in Iran, read our detailed coverage.