As the conflict in Ukraine escalates, the Ukrainian air force is eyeing the German Taurus missiles, sophisticated 1.5-ton cruise weapons capable of striking targets up to 300 miles away. Packed with an 1,100-pound dual warhead that can breach and obliterate targets from within, these missiles have piqued Ukraine’s interest, despite German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s previous reluctance to approve their delivery. His statement reflected a caution around deeper military incursions into Russian territory.
However, following Germany’s recent elections, where Scholz’s party slipped to third, new conservative leader Friedrich Merz is more amenable to transferring the Taurus missiles. Speculation is growing that Ukraine might soon see an influx of these missiles, though the exact number and timing remain uncertain.
The German air force, equipped with only 600 Tauruses, considers the potential transfer of around 100 of these missiles feasible without compromising their own operational readiness. This number could dramatically enhance Ukraine’s arsenal, expanding its cruise missile capabilities significantly beyond current supplies from allies like France and the UK.
Ukrainian forces are expected to adapt their older Soviet Sukhoi Su-24 bombers to carry the Tauruses, utilising modifications similar to those made for other missiles. Yet, the timeline for any transfer awaits the formation of Germany’s new government, a process that could delay decisions until late spring or early summer. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s existing stock of Storm Shadows and SCALP-EGs may be depleted soon, prompting a pressing need for the Taurus missiles to sustain impactful strikes against fortified Russian positions.
Ukraine is poised to receive German Taurus missiles, advanced cruise weapons that pack significant destructive capability, potentially augmenting its existing military arsenal. Despite former Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s hesitance, incoming conservative leader Friedrich Merz is more amenable to the transfer. The timing remains contingent on political negotiations within Germany, amid concerns regarding Ukraine’s depleting missile stocks.
The anticipated transfer of German Taurus missiles to Ukraine signifies a strategic shift in the ongoing conflict, enhancing Ukraine’s air strike capabilities against robust Russian defenses. The forthcoming change in German leadership represents a crucial juncture, as the timing of missile delivery hinges on political negotiations. This potential bolstering of Ukraine’s military arsenal could reignite its operational capacity in the battlefield, particularly with pressing needs manifesting amid dwindling resources.
Original Source: www.forbes.com
