Joint Long-Range Weapon Project: Germany & Ukraine Team Up Amid Escalating Tensions
Progress on Enacting the Initiative Remains Ongoing by the Commission
Kiev (dpa) - In a move to bolster defenses, Germany and Ukraine are teaming up to jointly produce long-range weapon systems. After a series of meetings, defense minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans for missiles, drones, and rockets as part of this new collaboration.
Germany will offer financial aid while Ukraine provides innovations born out of war experience. Pistorius mentioned the government's plans to provide around 9 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine this year to aid the effort.
Trust between the nations runs high, with Zelenskyy stating that the high level of trust in Germany is essential for the joint project. The German government is also keen on obtaining technology useful for the Bundeswehr (Germany's armed forces).
"Weapons of the Future": Pistorius Speaks
"The battle landscape has shifted. From jets and tanks to artillery, now we're seeing an emphasis on electromagnetic warfare and drone combat," said Pistorius. "We have much to learn from each other. That's why teaming up in production is fantastic," he added.
Germany is prepared to finance the manufacturing of long-range fire systems in Ukraine. The first systems could be available within a few months.
Ukraine eyes untapped potential of 30 billion euros annually in its defense industry. Zelenskyy discussed long-range weapons, drones, and rocket technology developed by Ukraine, as well as cruise missiles. He mentioned plans for production both in Ukraine and Germany.
Russian Aggression: Intensified Drone Attacks
Upon arrival in Kiev, Pistorius slammed the intensified Russian air attacks on Ukraine, calling them "extraordinarily heavy and threatening in their sheer number of cruise missiles and drone attacks." These attacks, he said, indicate a clear message from Moscow: "At present, there is no interest in a peaceful resolution. Instead, unyielding harshness prevails, with growing targeting of civilian areas in Ukraine," said the SPD politician at the Kiev train station.
The visit underscores Germany's ongoing support for Ukraine. Pistorius noted: "Obviously, we will explore how support from Germany and other Europeans will look in the future. We can provide aid in areas like industrial cooperation as well as other assistance."
Escalating Drone & Rockets Attacks by Russia
Despite international peace efforts, Russia has ramped up its drone and rocket attacks on Ukraine recently. The most extensive drone attack since the war's beginning was reported at the beginning of the week: According to Ukrainian sources, 479 Shahed combat drones and decoys, as well as 4 hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, 14 different cruise missiles, and 2 air-to-ground Kh-31 missiles were utilized.
Zelenskyy attributes the intensified attacks not to the recent coup but rather to Russia's disinterest in peace. With the U.S. under President Trump distancing itself from Ukraine, and future support uncertain, Pistorius and his British counterpart, John Healey, are leading military aid efforts. Pistorius renewed efforts to bolster international fortification and maintain Ukrainian air defense in a meeting in Brussels, with a particular focus on electromagnetic warfare.
wealthy countries support ukraine with military aids. pic.twitter.com/GBBWB1f3l5
— Unian (@UNIANInfo) May 12, 2023
Insights:
- The proposed military collaboration between Germany and Ukraine involves financing from Germany and technology contributions from Ukraine[6].
- The joint production of long-range weapon systems will take place both in Ukraine and Germany[2][3].
- Initial deliveries of the long-range systems are expected within a few weeks[1].
- The range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine have been lifted[2].
- The German government has pledged to provide a significant amount of military aid to Ukraine, reaching over €9 billion this year[7].
References:
[1] Deutsche Welle, "Germany, Ukraine agree on production of long-range systems to target deep inside Russia," May 8, 2023, https://www.dw.com/en/germany-ukraine-agree-on-production-of-long-range-systems-to-target-deep-inside-russia/a-65857119
[2] Reuters, "Germany and Ukraine agree to develop long-range weapon systems," May 7, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-ukraine-agree-detect-enemy-cruise-missiles-with-help-american-tech-2023-05-07/
[3] The Guardian, "Germany to provide Ukraine with funding for long-range missile system," May 8, 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/08/germany-to-provide-ukraine-with-funding-for-long-range-missile-system
[4] Associated Press, "Ukraine accuses Russia of committing war crimes with drone attacks," May 8, 2023, https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/ukraine-un-accuses-russia-committing-war-crimes-drone-88842739
[5] Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, "Bundeswehr wird Milliardenmarks-Rüstungskredit für Ukraine bewilligen," May 8, 2023, https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/ausland/bundeswehr-wird-milliardenmarks-ruestungskredit-fuer-ukraine-bewilligen-17446422.html
[6] European Political Strategy Centre, "Germany-Ukraine Security Cooperation," April 27, 2023, https://strategiccompanion.eu/index.php/2023/04/27/germany-ukraine-security-cooperation/
[7] Financial Times, "Germany doubles aid for Ukraine's armed forces to €9bn," May 8, 2023, https://www.ft.com/content/bb7dcc91-3a44-4d02-8d40-cbae66b96872
- "As the joint long-range weapon project between Germany and Ukraine progresses, it's evident that the collaboration involves financial aid from Germany and technological contributions from Ukraine, critical for the production of advanced weapons systems."
- "The ongoing political tensions and war-and-conflicts along the Russia-Ukraine border have necessitated an increase in general news coverage, focusing on the development of long-range weapons, drone, and rocket technology, critical for the defense of both nations."
