Germany plans to purchase Ukrainian Bars missiles for Bundeswehr testing – FT
The Financial Times reports, citing sources, that Germany is preparing its first purchase of Ukrainian-developed Bars missiles for its military. If the trials are successful, the order could be expanded to several hundred missiles.
Source: Financial Times, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Sources familiar with the plans indicate that the German government is expected to sign an agreement in the coming weeks to purchase an initial batch of Bars missiles for testing by the Bundeswehr.
The Bars is a jet-powered missile with a flight range of up to 1,000 km and a payload capacity of up to 105 kg, depending on the modification.
Although Ukrainians sometimes refer to it as a drone missile, Germany classifies it as a low-cost cruise missile.
The initial batch will enable the German military to conduct technical trials early next year. If the results are satisfactory, this could potentially pave the way for a larger order of several hundred units.
This initiative is part of Germany's comprehensive efforts to bolster European deterrence against Moscow by expanding its arsenal of long-range strike weapons.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described the Bars as one of the weapons used to strike military bases and energy facilities on Russian territory.
In recent months, Bars missiles have also been manufactured in Germany by a joint Ukrainian-German company whose operations remain shrouded in secrecy.
The first batch of German-made Bars missiles, funded by the German side, was delivered to Ukraine in October.
The joint venture will now also produce goods for Germany, marking the first known procurement of Ukrainian-developed offensive weaponry for the Bundeswehr's own needs.
In addition to the Bars missiles, Germany plans to acquire and test a small batch of Anthem cruise missiles produced by the US startup Covenant. The Anthem costs approximately one-tenth the price of a Tomahawk missile, which ranges from US$4 million to US$6 million.
One source familiar with the details stated that the Bars is even cheaper, but the German side is prepared to purchase both systems.
It was also noted that the potential acquisition of the Ukrainian Flamingo cruise missile has been postponed for now.
Currently, the German armed forces only use the air-launched Taurus cruise missile, which has a relatively short range of about 500 km. Germany's plan to purchase the powerful BGM-109 Tomahawk missile and the Typhon ground-based launcher system from US manufacturer Raytheon could be delayed for up to five years.
Background:
- Media reports indicate that the German government expects to spend nearly €12 billion to create a new arsenal of long-range weapons designed to deter Russia.
- Recently, Denmark also announced a billion-dollar deal to purchase high-precision long-range missiles for the first time in its history, amid intentions to bolster its security.
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