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Germany Hints at Potential Supply of Long-Range Taurus Missiles to Ukraine
Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in a recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, signaled a shift in Germany's strategy for supporting Ukraine. Merz did not explicitly mention Taurus missiles, an advanced weapon system currently employed by Germany, but discussions on joint production of long-range weapons between the two nations have sparked speculation.
While former Chancellor Olaf Scholz vetoed the idea of sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine, fearing an escalation with Russia, Merz has suggested a reconsideration of that stance. As part of a new military-industrial partnership with Ukraine, the potential supply of Taurus missiles has emerged as a considerable possibility.
The Taurus KEPD-350 is a sophisticated cruise missile used for precision strikes against hardened targets. Approximately 1,400kg, the missile can penetrate reinforced bunkers and delay its explosion until it reaches the designated target. This Israeli-designed, German-manufactured missile boasts a range of over 310 miles (500 km), capable of breaching dense air defenses and operating without permanent GPS, making it particularly useful during GPS jamming situations.
Ukraine's interest in acquiring Taurus missiles stem from their ability to surpass the range of other missiles donated by allies. With a longer range than the British-French Storm Shadow and American ATACMS missiles, Taurus would potentially enable Ukraine to reach targets currently believed to be safe from missile strikes. Nevertheless, the missile's range might be limited due to the need to keep Ukrainian fighter jets out of harm's way when firing, given Russian air defense capabilities.
It is unclear whether and when Germany may offer Ukraine Taurus missiles, as the German government seems to prefer maintaining strategic ambiguity regarding military aid disclosures. Updates on this matter will likely only become public once the missiles are deployed in combat.
Experts caution that while the potential deployment of Taurus missiles could provide operational advantages for Ukraine, it is unlikely to bring an end to the ongoing conflict. Furthermore, the long-range missile's current use by the German military raises concerns about reverse engineering and countermeasure development by Russian forces should Ukraine deploy the Taurus against Russia.
Germany's potential support for Ukraine with advanced long-range weapons evolved as an important aspect of NATO's broader strategy. While some hesitance persists, particularly regarding the potential for German entanglement in the conflict, the strategic importance of bolstering Ukraine's military is increasingly recognized.
Whether Germany ultimately decides to provide Taurus missiles to Ukraine remains uncertain. However, Merz's recent statements and agreements with Ukraine suggest a more robust stance toward supporting Ukraine's defense efforts. The prospect of obtaining Taurus missiles represents a potential turning point in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
- Discussions between Germany and Ukraine about joint production of long-range weapons, such as the Taurus missiles, have arisen as a possibility, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz hinting at a reconsideration of Germany's stance on sending these advanced systems to Ukraine.
- If Germany were to supply Ukraine with Taurus missiles, it could escalate the war-and-conflicts between Ukraine and Russia, considering the concerns about reverse engineering and countermeasure development by Russian forces.
- The politics surrounding the potential supply of Taurus missiles to Ukraine is highly significant within the context of the general-news, as it represents a potential turning point due to their long range, surpassing that of other missiles currently donated by allies, and their ability to breach dense air defenses.
