German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced Germany’s intent to buy the U.S.-developed Typhon missile system.

According to a July 15 news release from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Defence, Berlin has submitted a formal Letter of Request to the U.S. to initiate the Foreign Military Sales process. Pistorius reportedly discussed the proposal with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during their meeting in Washington on July 14.

“The range of these weapons systems is significantly greater than what we currently have in Europe,” Pistorius said. “Germany can use this to strengthen its own defense capabilities and significantly enhance its deterrence—both nationally and across Europe.”

The Typhon, officially the U.S. Army’s Mid-Range Capability (MRC), was developed by Lockheed Martin and entered service in 2023.

It can fire Tomahawk cruise missiles and SM-6 multi-role missiles from containerized, trailer-mounted launchers. The Tomahawk’s range exceeds 1,600 kilometers while the SM-6 reaches over 370 kilometers.

German officials view the potential Typhon purchase as an interim solution to bridge the gap until the European long-range strike program, known as ELSA, can meet the continent’s mid- and long-range strike requirements.

ELSA is expected to become operational in seven to ten years.

“That’s why this transitional solution is important for us,” Pistorius said, referring to the procurement of the U.S. system.

If approved, Germany would be the first foreign operator of the system. 

Outside the U.S., the Typhon missile system has appeared in military exercises in the Philippines following its forward deployment by the U.S. as part of broader efforts to counter China’s expanding military presence in the region.

Earlier this month, Typhon was successfully live-fired for the first time in the Western Pacific during Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia.