UK, Germany consider developing long-range weapon to hit Russian nukes
2 Min Read
The UK eyes developing a 2000-mile range weapon to strike Russian tactical nuclear weapons as part of its NATO-first cooperation plan.
-
British Defense Secretary John Healey arrives at Downing Street in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP)
The United Kingdom is considering developing long-range missiles with Germany, able to hit Russian nuclear weapons, The Times newspaper reported, citing diplomatic sources.
According to the sources, the UK is considering utilizing a 2,000-mile range weapon that could be fired from Berlin if Russia employs its tactical nuclear arsenal.
The plan was profusely discussed during new UK Defense Secretary John Healey's visit to Berlin earlier this week, which aimed to enhance cooperation within NATO as part of his "NATO-first" defense policy.
Reportedly, the missiles are set to be deployed in Germany and would substitute long-range US missiles, including the SM-6, Tomahawk, and developmental hypersonic missiles, which were supposed to be based in Berlin in 2026.
UK allows Ukraine to strike deep Russian territory
Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the United Kingdom cabinet, a move that demonstrates newly-elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer and London's support for Ukraine, as Zelensky asked Western allies for additional leeway on long-range capabilities.
Reportedly, Zelensky reiterated a call for Western allies to allow long-range strikes deep into Russian territories and asked the UK to influence its allies to adjust their policy on the matter.
The new UK Labour government will not reverse the decisions of its Conservative predecessor regarding allowing Kiev to strike targets on Russian territory with weapons provided by London, the Financial Times reported.
In June, the United States and some other countries, including the UK under Rishi Sunak's premiership, allowed Kiev to use Western-donated weapons to strike inside Russian territory.
The newspaper mentioned that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer signaled that UK arms must be used following international humanitarian law for defense, but it will be up to Kiev to decide how to use the ammunition.
