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Airbus chair calls on Europe to acquire tactical nuclear weapons

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on November 19, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 20, 2026

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Airbus chair calls on Europe to acquire tactical nuclear weapons
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BERLIN (Reuters) -Airbus chairman Rene Obermann has called on European countries to acquire tactical nuclear weapons in response to the threat posed by Russian Iskander missiles deployed at

Airbus Chair Advocates for European Tactical Nuclear Arms

BERLIN (Reuters) -Airbus chairman Rene Obermann has called on European countries to acquire tactical nuclear weapons in response to the threat posed by Russian Iskander missiles deployed at Kaliningrad that can carry nuclear warheads.

"Our Achilles heel seems to be what Russia threatens us with fairly publicly: That's 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 said at the Berlin Security Conference on Wednesday.

"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. I think that would be a massive sign of deterrence."

(Reporting by Sabine Siebold; editing by Matthias Williams)

Key Takeaways

  • Airbus chairman suggests Europe acquire tactical nuclear weapons.
  • The call is in response to Russian Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad.
  • Obermann highlights the threat of 500+ tactical nuclear warheads.
  • A common European nuclear deterrence program is proposed.
  • Germany, France, and the UK are key players in this strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are tactical nuclear weapons?
Tactical nuclear weapons are designed for use on the battlefield in military situations, as opposed to strategic nuclear weapons, which are intended for long-range targets and deterrence.
What is deterrence?
Deterrence is a strategy aimed at preventing an adversary from taking an unwanted action, typically by threatening significant retaliation or consequences.
What are Iskander missiles?
Iskander missiles are a type of short-range ballistic missile developed by Russia, capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads and designed for quick deployment and high accuracy.

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