Small changes, big impact: How Trump’s latest decision removes a key component of Europe’s deterrence (iss.europa.eu)

• US withdraws 5,000 troops from Germany and cancels long-range missile deployment to Europe.
• Tomahawk inventory depleted after Iran war; decision not coordinated with NATO allies.
• Europe needs to fill deterrence gap with indigenous systems and support Ukraine's deep-strike capabilities.

"The US has ordered the withdrawal of about 5,000 troops from Germany and canceled the deployment of a long-range fires battalion with Tomahawk and hypersonic missiles to Europe. This deepens Europe's deterrence gap against Russia, as it removes a key punishment capability. The decision came after the Iran war depleted missile stocks and follows tense US-German relations. Europeans must urgently develop their own long-range strike capabilities, plan for further US reductions, and craft a narrative to maintain strategic stability."