Germany opts for rocket manufacturing aid instead of Taurus missile delivery assistance - Funding shifted from Taurus missile procurement towards endeavor in German rocket development
Germany pledges aid to Ukraine in the production of long-range missiles, known as Long Range Fires, following a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin. The defense ministers of both countries agreed on arms cooperation during the visit.
The long-range weapons, which may strike targets several hundred kilometers away, will aid Ukraine's efforts to attack Russian air bases or supply lines located far behind the front lines, including on Russian territory. The delivery of German Taurus cruise missiles becomes less likely with Germany's production aid for Ukrainian weapons, but it's not ruled out.
Ukraine has already received long-range weapons from three western allies: Britain, France, and the US, but not Germany. Zelensky had previously requested the Taurus cruise missile with a range of 500 kilometers from Germany's previous government, but the request was declined. Since becoming Germany's chancellor, Merz has become more cautious, publicly avoiding discussions about specific weapons systems.
Ukraine has begun producing its own long-range weapons, including the anti-ship rocket R-360 Neptune, which sank the Russian cruiser "Moskva" in the Black Sea, and the rocket Hrim-2, with a range of 450 kilometers. The Neptun-MD is currently under development, with a reported range of 1000 kilometers and series production set to start in 2024.
Germany will provide financing for existing projects in Ukraine, with cooperation taking place both in Ukraine and in Germany. Neither Merz nor Zelensky provided further details about the nature of the collaboration. Merz clarified that the refusal of Russia to engage in talks and hold a ceasefire will result in consequences.
The Ministry of Defense announced that a significant number of long-range weapons can be produced this year, with the first systems expected to be deployed in the Ukrainian armed forces within a few weeks. These systems are already integrated into the Ukrainian armed forces, requiring no additional training.
German support for long-range missile production has been met with criticism from Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov accused Germany of attempting to provoke the continuation of the war and undermining efforts for a diplomatic solution to the conflict. Merz, however, continues to support diplomatic efforts, while acknowledging that a quick solution at the negotiating table seems unlikely.
Military expert Fabian Hoffmann suggests that western cruise missiles, such as Taurus, are particularly effective against heavily protected or buried targets and could potentially destroy targets like the Kerch Bridge, which connects the Russian-annexed Crimean Peninsula with the Russian mainland. Ukraine continues to push for the delivery of the Taurus cruise missile, but it's uncertain if Merz will relent, given the mutual support and the strategic implications of such a move.
- The Commission, amidst the ongoing conflict, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation in the context of the growing need for radiation safety in the business sector, especially in industries manufacturing weapons or handling radioactive materials.
- In the realm of international politics, Germany's recent pledge to aid Ukraine in the production of long-range missiles serves as a potential warning to other global hotspots, signaling that the country may be inclined to intervene in war-and-conflicts where the principle of sovereignty is threatened.
- Finance ministries worldwide have expressed concerns regarding the potential economic repercussions of continued arms production and sales in regions marred by general-news events, particularly in the financial industry where long-term instability may impact business investments and economic growth.
