Conventional Prompt Strike in European Military Power

Conventional prompt strike (CPS) capabilities – such as medium-range ballistic missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) – play a critical role in enhancing European military power. Drawing on lessons from recent conflicts, this research paper highlights how advances in missile technology have transformed CPS into a vital tool for targeting time-sensitive, hardened and high-value assets, previously addressable only through airpower or nuclear means. It emphasises the need for European middle powers to develop CPS capabilities incrementally, tailored to their unique resource constraints and strategic priorities.
 

Key Recommendations

• Prioritise the ‘irreducible minimum’ mission set: focus on developing CPS capabilities to suppress Russian ballistic missile defence systems around Moscow, ensuring the credibility of Europe’s independent nuclear deterrents.
• Expand operational scope: as missile production scales, target critical Russian air defence and strike infrastructure, including bombers, radar systems and interceptor aircraft bases, to enable follow-on air and cruise missile operations.
• Prepare for dynamic targeting at scale: if costs of missiles and ISR decline significantly, pursue the capability for integrated massive aerospace strike (IMAS) operations to deter Russian escalation and strengthen transatlantic security ties.
• Adopt a complementary approach: treat ballistic missiles and HGVs as mutually reinforcing tools, leveraging their unique strengths against different target sets.
• Invest in enabling infrastructure: develop diverse launch platforms, including ground-based systems, submarines and air-launched options, while enhancing ISR capabilities to reduce reliance on US support.

This paper provides a roadmap for European policymakers to align CPS development with strategic priorities, ensuring a robust and scalable defence posture in the face of evolving threats.