United Kingdom and 11 other NATO members are set to invest more than £37 billion ($50 billion) over the next decade in a major new long-range missile programme designed to strengthen Europe’s ability to deter potential adversaries and defend allied territory.
The Deep Precision Strike initiative, unveiled by the UK government presents one of the alliance’s most ambitious future weapons projects and is expected to become a central issue during discussions among European leaders.
British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer is leading efforts to bring together around a dozen allied nations to develop advanced missile capabilities that will transform NATO’s ability to respond to future security threats.
The programme is expected to produce some of the alliance’s most sophisticated precision strike systems, capable of hitting targets at least 300 kilometres (nearly 200 miles) away with high accuracy.
Starmer stated, “I am determined to ensure the safety of the UK and our Allies and to do that, we must step up to deliver a stronger, more European NATO.”
“UK is already working with partners to develop exquisite capability that will give our Armed Forces the ability to defend and deter thousands of kilometres from the front line, but this UK-led initiative will allow us to step up our cooperation, bringing European Allies together to ensure NATO remains safe and secure for years to come.”
Keir Starmer
The announcement comes amid increasing pressure on European NATO members to expand defence investment and develop greater military independence.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly called on European allies to contribute more towards the alliance’s defence spending, arguing that Washington should not continue carrying a disproportionate financial burden for European security.
Members of NATO decided at last year’s summit to strive toward allocating 5% of GDP on defence and security by 2035; however, the precise route to reaching that goal is still politically delicate for a number of alliance members.
Through its Defence Investment Plan, the British government has already committed almost £300 billion by 2030, which includes significant investments in cutting-edge military technology, weaponry, and preparedness.
The Deep Precision Strike initiative, according to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, is a reaction to a more hazardous state of international security, stating, “this is about how we make sure we have a stronger Europe within a stronger NATO.”
The initiative is expected to take years to develop, with operational capabilities unlikely to become available until the 2030s. However, defence officials argue that long-term planning is essential because modern military threats increasingly rely on advanced technology, precision weapons and the ability to strike targets at significant distances.
The programme has also been shaped by lessons from Russia’s war in Ukraine, where long-range weapons have played a critical role in targeting military infrastructure, supply routes and logistical networks.
British officials emphasised Ukraine’s use of long-range systems has demonstrated the strategic importance of precision strike capabilities in modern warfare.
“Ukraine’s Armed Forces have proved that the effective use of long-range systems can have game-changing impacts on the battlefield, giving the Armed Forces the ability to degrade enemy forces far behind the frontline.”
Keir Starmer
According the UK government, “Ukrainian long-range strikes, such as those on key logistics hubs, have significantly impacted Russia’s ability to sustain their offensives.”
NATO-Russia Tensions Rise
The launch of the Deep Precision Strike programme comes as NATO members continue to assess the security implications of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and Moscow’s expanding military activities around Europe.
During the Ankara summit, Prime Minister Starmer is expected to highlight the continuing threat posed by Russia, while insisting that NATO does not seek confrontation but must remain prepared to defend every member of the alliance.
The British government revealed that NATO fighter jets have been scrambled more than 700 times in the past two years to intercept Russian aircraft approaching allied airspace.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper indicated that the new missile programme would provide NATO with stronger deterrence capabilities and the ability to respond to threats targeting European security.
“With deep precision strike capability, the UK and our allies will be able to hit high value military targets and the logistical engines that drive armies, deterring any aggressor and strengthening our mutual security.”
Yvette Cooper
She added, “at Ankara we are sending a clear message to [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin; NATO is stronger, more European and ready to defend our citizens against the long-term threat posed by him and the Russian state.”
The summit also comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to urge Western allies to provide additional air defence systems to protect Ukrainian cities from intensified Russian attacks.
Zelensky appealed for urgent assistance as Ukraine faces continued missile and drone strikes from Russian forces.
At the same time, Ukraine has expanded its own long-range attacks against Russian military and industrial targets, striking oil refineries and other strategic facilities
Kremlin has criticised NATO’s expanding military cooperation and warned that additional weapons supplied to Ukraine will not change Russia’s objectives. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that Moscow would closely monitor developments at the Ankara summit, accusing NATO leaders of adopting a confrontational approach.
“In the context of preparations for this summit we heard a great many statements concerning our country. To our regret, these were not statements about constructive engagement and dialogue but rather statements of a confrontational nature.”
Dmitry Peskov
He added that Russia still considered a political and diplomatic settlement preferable.
Despite Moscow’s warnings, NATO members argue that strengthening defence capabilities is necessary to maintain stability and prevent future aggression.
The Deep Precision Strike initiative is expected to become a key element of Europe’s future military posture, combining the expertise, technology and industrial capacity of multiple allied nations.
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