Tomahawk Missile Supply Challenges
Berlin is exploring backup options as it faces difficulties securing deliveries of American Tomahawk missiles. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is planning a trip to Washington to urge the Trump administration to honor an existing agreement, after the U.S. failed to respond to Germany’s formal request for Tomahawk supplies submitted in July 2025. In parallel, Pistorius traveled to Kyiv, where he met with Ukraine’s defense minister to discuss joint development of long-range drones—a potential workaround to the missile shortage.
Before the conflict began, the U.S. Tomahawk stockpile was estimated at 3,100 units, but over 1,000 have already been expended. Monthly production currently stands at roughly 47 missiles, with plans to ramp up to 1,000 per year. Similarly, the pre-war inventory of JASSM missiles totaled 4,400, with more than 1,000 used and a production rate of about 48 per month. Lockheed Martin aims to produce 396 JASSMs in 2026, eventually reaching 860 annually. As for PrSM missiles, pre-war stocks were just 90 units, with between 40 and 70 expended. THAAD interceptors initially numbered 2,300, with 1,040 to 1,430 used, and production running at 43 per month.
Challenges and Opportunities for Europe
With European missile programs falling behind schedule, analyst Fabian Hoffmann noted: “If European states prioritize strike range and want to quickly acquire capabilities comparable to the Tomahawk (1,600 km), Ukrainian manufacturers of long-range drones may be the only realistic option in the near term.”
- Possible alternatives include Ukraine’s FP-1 and An-196 systems, though they offer less overall power.
- Hoffmann also emphasized that “European states will have to accept compromises” due to delays in their own programs.
Fire Point, a missile development company, faces setbacks from scandals and the owner’s unverified connections. Its Flamingo missile production capacity is estimated at 200 units per month, but a solid-fuel plant project with the Danish government is currently frozen. During President Zelenskyy’s visit to Berlin, two technology cooperation agreements were signed between Diehl Defence, Fire Point, and Luch.
The current situation highlights the need for Germany and other European nations to diversify their defense supplies as they work to align military capabilities with modern threats. With U.S. deliveries constrained, joint development efforts with Ukraine could become a key factor in maintaining regional stability and security. Given the existing production and supply hurdles, European states will likely have to pursue novel solutions to sustain their defense readiness.
As Germany navigates the complexities of securing missile supplies, the need for collaborative efforts in defense technology has become increasingly apparent. This urgency is reflected in Germany's recent call for joint development of missile systems with Ukraine, highlighting the potential to enhance its military capabilities amid dwindling stockpiles.