According to US media reports, on July 10th, the United States and Germany issued a joint statement stating that, according to an agreement signed by the two countries before the NATO summit, the US Army plans to deploy long-range firepower to Germany in stages. The Russian side has warned that this will lead the United States and Russia towards a 'new Cold War'. The statement stated that as part of long-term planning, the United States plans to deploy long-range firepower for the US Army's multi domain task force in Germany starting from 2026, mainly including the "Standard" -6 missile, "Tomahawk" cruise missile, and hypersonic weapons, with a range far exceeding Europe's current land-based firepower systems. The US government stated that this deployment plan will demonstrate the US's security commitment to NATO member countries and enhance Europe's comprehensive deterrence capabilities. It is expected that by 2026, the United States can deploy at least three new weapons to Germany. The first one is a precision strike missile developed by Lockheed Martin, and its basic model can strike targets within a range of 500 kilometers. The launch device of the "Haimas" system can launch two precision strike missiles, which have been delivered to the US Army for use. The second one is the "medium range capability" system, namely the "Tifeng" missile system. The system is capable of launching ground attack missiles based on Standard-6 and Tomahawk cruise missiles. Among them, the Tomahawk cruise missile has a range of over 1600 kilometers and has been equipped by the US Army. The "Standard" -6 missile for ground attack has not yet been delivered, with an expected range of about 467 kilometers. An extended range version is also under development, which will have faster speed and longer range. This missile is mainly used to attack high-value targets such as air defense systems and command posts. The third one is the "long-range hypersonic weapon" currently under development, which the US Army calls the "Dark Eagle". It is a boost gliding hypersonic missile designed to strike targets 2776 kilometers away. According to analysis, its speed can reach 17 Mach. The US Government Accountability Office expects to deploy the first complete "Dark Hawk" missile company in fiscal year 2025. In addition, the US military is developing a ground launched hypersonic missile system with a range of approximately 1600 kilometers. In contrast, the US currently deployed Army tactical missile systems in Europe have a maximum range of only 300 kilometers for their short-range ballistic missiles. The United States withdrew from the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019, laying the groundwork for its development and deployment of medium - and long-range missile systems. German Chancellor Scholz stated that the US plan to deploy long-range weapon systems in Germany is an important decision made at the right time. He also emphasized that Germany has always sought to "prevent war". Russian Ambassador to the United States Antonov stated that the US move poses a direct threat to international security and strategic stability. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that Russia has begun preparing countermeasures in advance to counter the US plan to deploy long-range firepower in Europe. At the end of June, Russian President Putin called for the redevelopment of medium - and short-range nuclear missiles. Analysts point out that Russia can choose multiple ways to retaliate. Firstly, improve the cruise missiles launched by the Iskander-K system to reach or exceed the range of the Tomahawk cruise missiles. Secondly, improve the Iskander-M ballistic missile to extend its range. The current Iskander-M ballistic missile is larger in appearance and weight than the US Army tactical missile system, precision strike missile, and Standard-6 missile. By reducing the weight of the warhead and further improving engine performance, it is entirely possible to extend its range beyond 500 kilometers. Once again, develop medium to long range ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles. Although Russia has not yet announced the development of missile systems similar to the United States' 'long-range hypersonic weapons, it has the capability to develop such weapons. There are also opinions that Russia may restart the RS-26 missile project, which is described as an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying multiple warheads. Finally, develop more intercontinental ballistic missiles as a potential countermeasure. Given that the long-range firepower planned by the United States to deploy in Europe is essentially a strategic level weapon that can threaten high-value targets within Russia, Russia can respond by expanding its strategic arsenal. (New Society)