In a remarkable step, Germany has formally expressed interest in the American Typhon missile system, a mobile ground launch platform that can fire long-range missiles such as the Tomahawk and the SM-6. These are missiles no less than 6.5 m long. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced this after talks in Washington, and the request may mark the beginning of a new phase in European long-range deterrence.
What is the Typhon system?
Typhon, officially designated by the US Army as the Mid-Range Capability (MRC) system, is designed to deliver conventional precision firepower from land in ways that until recently were mainly reserved for naval forces. This is not a static launch platform, but a mobile system: it uses four launch vehicles housing the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS).
The Mk 41 cells are packed in standard 40-foot ISO containers, which simplifies transport and deployment. Each launch vehicle is towed by 8×8 trucks, and the system is supported by command vehicles, reload platforms and other support assets. Thanks to this mobility, Typhon can be relocated quickly, which is crucial in modern conflicts where the survival of launchers depends on flexibility.
What really sets Typhon apart is the munitions it can use: it can fire the Tomahawk cruise missile — known from naval platforms — but also the SM-6, a highly versatile missile with air, sea and missile defence capabilities. In other words: this system combines deep precision strikes with a partly defensive role. It is also interesting that Germany is now buying the SM-6 missile and is also considering Tomahawk missiles. These can be fitted on ships. But with an enemy like Russia, they would now also have these missiles on land and could in theory attack Russia much better, but also defend against ballistic missiles.
Video Lockheed Martin: the Typhon missile system explained.
Why is this so special?
The Typhon system is revolutionary in several respects. First, it brings missiles such as the Tomahawk, traditionally fired from naval ships or submarines, onto land. This gives a country like Germany unprecedented range and precision without depending on the presence of ships.
In addition, the presence of the SM-6 in the launch package gives Typhon an extra dimension: this missile can hit not only land targets, but also air and maritime targets, and possibly even act against incoming missiles. That makes Typhon a multi-role system usable both offensively and defensively.
The system’s mobility is at least as crucial. By packing four container launchers on trucks, the need for fixed silos or permanent launch bases disappears. This means Germany (or another user) can move quickly, reposition components and be harder to detect for enemy intelligence services. At a time when mobility and flexibility are crucial, that is strategic gold.
The range is also impressive: according to German sources, the system can cover targets up to around 2,000 kilometres away. That opens up the possibility of deeper precision strikes far beyond Germany’s borders – something that until recently was unthinkable in the European defence context.
Minister Pistorius
Minister Pistorius stresses that the request for Typhon is not merely an injection of weapons, but part of a broader strategic vision. Germany currently experiences a “gap” in its long-range capability within NATO, and Typhon could close that gap. According to him, the system is significantly “bigger than what we have in Europe now” and can strengthen the deterrent power of Germany and Europe.
Still, Germany is realistic about Typhon’s role: it is seen as a bridging solution. European partners are working on their own medium- and long-range missiles through initiatives such as the European Long-range Strike Approach (ELSA), but those systems will only become operational in several years (7 to 10 years is sometimes mentioned). Typhon offers rapid reinforcement pending those European alternatives, so Germany does not have to depend entirely on its own future missile developments.
There is also diplomatic weight in the decision: according to reports, Germany is willing to host American Typhon batteries on its national territory. This would not only strengthen Germany’s strategic position, but also reinforce transatlantic defence cooperation within NATO.
photo: Lockheed Martin
The American view: supplier and army
In the United States, Typhon is seen as a crucial pillar in the modern reform of the army’s artillery and long-range fires. The use of existing missiles such as Tomahawk and SM-6, combined with mobile launchers, makes Typhon both powerful and relatively quick to deploy.
Lockheed Martin, the system’s producer, says it is willing to scale up production for Germany if the deal goes ahead. According to Edward Dobeck, Program Director at Lockheed, the company can accelerate production thanks to existing infrastructure in the US.
The US Army already has several Typhon batteries in use. The system was declared operational in 2023 and has since been deployed within multi-domain task forces. During exercises, including in Australia, the system was used to hit a maritime target with an SM-6 missile. These live-fire tests demonstrated Typhon’s operational flexibility — its ability both to carry out offensive strikes and to counter hostile threats.
Strategically, the US Army sees Typhon as an essential link between shorter-range systems (such as missiles or artillery) and hypersonic weapons. According to analyses, the system was developed to close the gap between the new Precision Strike Missile and hypersonic weapons such as the “Dark Eagle”.
What this acquisition means.
Germany’s request for the American Typhon system is much more than a simple purchase of missile launchers. It symbolises a transition in European military doctrine: a recognition that modern warfare is driven by range, precision and mobility. With Typhon, Germany gains the ability to launch Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles from its own territory, without fixed silos, with mobile systems that are harder to detect and take out.
Every launch site that can be moved, every missile that can be used flexibly, increases Germany’s strategic striking power – especially at a time of growing uncertainty and increasing pressure on European defence. At the same time, Typhon is not an end point: it must serve as a bridge until Europe’s own systems have been developed and become available.
For German military planners, but also for NATO allies, this is a moment of great significance. Because with Typhon, Germany is taking a new step not only in its own defence, but also in that of Europe – towards a reality in which long-range firepower can be deployed quickly and flexibly not only from the air or sea, but from land.
