Why Is Germany Purchasing Missiles from Israel and Ukraine? Reasons and Implications in 2026

## Introduction Recent months have witnessed significant shifts in Germany's defense strategy, with the Ministry of Defense in Berlin moving toward a new approach to bolster its missile arsenal. This transformation follows a U.S. decision to halt the deployment of cruise missiles in Germany, raising questions about Berlin's ability to address rising security challenges in Europe and Africa.

This shift reflects Germany's desire to diversify its military sources, particularly after the mutual criticism between the U.S. President and the German Chancellor on regional security issues. It also highlights the strategic importance of relying on cost-effective and efficient missiles for deterrence, especially amid ongoing Russian threats along Europe's eastern borders. These steps are part of Berlin's efforts to compensate for the potential gap created by the absence of direct U.S. support.

## Reasons Behind Germany’s Pursuit of Israeli and Ukrainian Missiles

Germany’s Ministry of Defense is considering purchasing low-cost cruise missiles from Israel and Ukraine following a U.S. decision to withdraw cruise missiles from German soil. This decision comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and Germany, particularly after the German Chancellor criticized the U.S. war in Iran.

Leaked documents indicate that Berlin is evaluating four primary options to enhance its missile capabilities:

1. Purchasing the U.S. TAIFUN missile system (with a range of 2,000 kilometers, expected to enter service in 2029). 2. Acquiring cost-effective cruise missiles from Israel or Ukraine (starting in 2027). 3. A joint high-performance cruise missile project with Britain (starting in 2032). 4. A hypersonic system in collaboration with Britain (starting in 2035).

These options reflect Germany’s pursuit of diversifying its military sources and reducing reliance on the United States, particularly amid recent political fluctuations in bilateral relations.

## Israeli Missiles: The Anchem System as a Cost-Effective Alternative

Germany is considering purchasing cruise missiles from the Israeli-American company Covenant, founded in 2024. The company’s Anchem missile system is undergoing tests in Israel in June 2026, with German officials invited to observe the trials.

The Anchem system stands out for its cost-effectiveness, with an estimated unit price of $500,000—about one-fifth the cost of the U.S. Tomahawk missile. Additionally, its ability to penetrate air defenses through intensive strikes makes it an attractive option for Germany under current conditions.

## Ukrainian Missiles: FlaMingo and BARS as Strategic Options

Ukraine presents itself as one of Germany’s key sources for affordable missiles, offering two primary systems:

1. FlaMingo (FP-5): A cruise missile with a range of 3,000 kilometers and a one-ton warhead. Currently used against targets in Russia, it costs approximately $500,000 per unit. 2. BARS: A medium-weight missile system integrated with a drone, providing high flexibility in targeting.

Diehl Defence, a German defense company, is negotiating with Ukraine’s FirePoint to locally produce the FlaMingo missile in Germany, enhancing German defense capabilities and strengthening industrial cooperation between the two countries.

## Legal and Political Challenges Surrounding the Deals

Despite the economic and operational appeal of these missiles, Germany faces legal and political hurdles regarding the export of FlaMingo missiles, which require prior political and legal approval. German documents emphasize the need to expedite these procedures to ensure the country meets its defense needs as quickly as possible.

## Implications for European and Global Security

Germany’s Ministry of Defense emphasizes that these steps are part of efforts to enhance deterrence, particularly amid rising threats in Europe and Africa. Documents highlight that long-range precision strikes are essential for effective deterrence, and that cost-effective systems can overcome enemy air defenses through intensive attacks.

These moves also underscore Germany’s strategic shift toward self-reliance in defense, particularly after recent political tensions with the United States. The expected impact of these steps on the balance of power in Europe is significant, especially given escalating Russian threats.

## The Future of Germany’s Missile Capabilities

With increasing security risks in Europe, Germany is seeking to develop its missile capabilities as quickly as possible. Documents indicate that these steps are part of Berlin’s pursuit of relative self-sufficiency in defense, particularly after the deterioration of relations with the United States.

These investments are expected to enhance European collective security, particularly amid rising Russian and international threats. They also strengthen European defense industrial integration, offering new opportunities for cooperation among EU member states.