The 9M729 ground-launched cruise missile, a weapon whose development prompted the U.S. to withdraw from the INF Treaty, has been fired at Ukraine on multiple occasions, according to Ukrainian officials. This missile, which has a reported range of up to 1,200 kilometers, was banned under the 1987 treaty. The use of this missile in Ukraine has been interpreted as confirmation of previous concerns about Russia’s compliance and the need for the U.S. to leave the treaty. The recent strikes on Ukraine have further opened the door for new defense developments in the U.S.
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Airbus Defense and Space CEO Michael Schollhorn urges Germany to lessen its reliance on U.S. defense contractors, advocating for increased collaboration among European defense firms instead. This recommendation comes amid rising concerns over shifting U.S. foreign policy, including President Trump’s questioning of NATO commitments and potential pressure on European allies. Schollhorn highlights the upcoming German defense budget increase as a critical opportunity to prioritize European manufacturers and avoid further dependence on the U.S. He uses the example of Denmark’s F-35 purchase to illustrate the potential pitfalls of solely relying on American-made equipment. Ultimately, Schollhorn emphasizes a need for coordinated European defense spending and industry cooperation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker