There is no new information about the withdrawal of US troops from Germany

No new information on the withdrawal of US troops

Asked at a briefing for journalists whether he knew more about how many American soldiers would remain in Germany after the visit, Pistorius replied that he did not, although he admitted that he had discussed the review of US forces in Europe. According to the minister, Germany has not received confirmation of the schedule, which "remains as we last knew it", i.e. the end of the year.

He added, however, that the Americans recognized the need to carry out the reduction in such a way that there would be no gaps in Europe's defense capabilities.

At the beginning of May, the Pentagon announced the withdrawal of up to 5,000 troops from Germany. soldiers within 6–12 months. The US also withdrew from the deployment of long-range weapons in Germany, agreed in 2024, from 2026, including SM-6, Tomahawk and hypersonic missiles.

This summer Germany decided to purchase Tomahawk missiles and Typhon launchers. However, according to the Politico website, the government in Berlin is concerned that the deliveries of these weapons will be significantly delayed due to the consumption of American resources during the war with Iran. The portal claims, citing internal government documents, that instead of 2029, the missiles may be delivered only two years later.

Germany wants to speed up deliveries of Tomahawks

Pistorius admitted that the sale procedure is complex, but "the crossover is set," which was reconfirmed on Tuesday. The minister admitted that the delivery dates assumed so far are too distant for Germany. The US side welcomed this "positively" and pledged to strive for acceleration, also in the context of the US's own contracts with manufacturers.

However, he announced the signing of a declaration of deepening cooperation between the US and German industries. Germany has offered production at home where the capacity in the US is insufficient. According to Pistorius, the offer was well received.

Both sides are also to cooperate on supply chains, spare parts and servicing in Europe of American equipment used by NATO allies. Pistorius also mentioned the Patriot system and which components for the Tomahawk missiles could be supplied by German industry. The details are now to be developed "very quickly" by experts.

Poland wants to locate the PAC-3 missile servicing center for the Patriot launcher on its territory, as the head of our Ministry of National Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, recently said.

A common approach to the threat from Russia

Asked about his assessment of the threat from Russia, Pistorius said both sides agreed. According to the minister, the Americans do not expect that "something will happen tomorrow", but this cannot stop the allies from carrying out their tasks as quickly as possible.

Pistorius said there were no new demands or criticism of Germany during the meeting. According to him, Hegseth appreciated the pace of growth in defense spending and the expansion of the Bundeswehr, as well as Germany's leadership role in Europe.

In the coming days, Pistorius will go to New York for talks, among others. with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and then to Fort Worth, Texas. There, it will receive the first F-35 fighter with German markings, which Lockheed Martin will hand over to the Luftwaffe.