At the Berlin Security Conference, Airbus chairman Rene Obermann called on European nations to develop tactical nuclear capabilities to strengthen deterrence against Russia. He highlighted what he described as a major vulnerability: "500 plus" tactical warheads on Iskander‑26 missiles in Kaliningrad and recent deployments to Belarus. Obermann urged Germany, France, Britain and other willing states to pursue a coordinated, staged deterrence program that includes tactical forces.
Airbus Chairman Proposes European Tactical Nuclear Deterrent to Counter Russia
At the Berlin Security Conference, Airbus chairman Rene Obermann called on European nations to develop tactical nuclear capabilities to strengthen deterrence against Russia. He highlighted what he described as a major vulnerability: "500 plus" tactical warheads on Iskander‑26 missiles in Kaliningrad and recent deployments to Belarus. Obermann urged Germany, France, Britain and other willing states to pursue a coordinated, staged deterrence program that includes tactical forces.
07:38 PM, 11/19/2025Security
Rene Obermann, chairman of Airbus, urged European nations to develop tactical nuclear capabilities as part of a coordinated deterrence strategy to counter what he called growing Russian threats. He made the appeal while speaking at the Berlin Security Conference.
"Russia’s nuclear capabilities are Europe’s Achilles heel," Obermann said, pointing to "500 plus tactical nuclear warheads on Iskander‑26 missiles stationed right in front of our door in Kaliningrad, in addition to the newly stationed ones in Belarus."
Obermann recommended that "Germany, France, Britain and other willing European member states should agree on a common and staged nuclear deterrence program, including very much so the tactical level." He argued such a program would send "a massive sign of deterrence" to potential aggressors.
He also stressed that Europe's deterrence needs extend beyond the strategic dimension, which is partly addressed by existing nuclear-sharing arrangements, and should include tactical capabilities to address immediate regional threats.
Obermann framed the proposal as a multistage, collaborative effort among willing states rather than a unilateral escalation. The suggestion is likely to ignite political and strategic debate across Europe about escalation risks, legal and ethical implications, and the effectiveness of tactical nuclear forces as a deterrent.