In Germany, there is renewed debate about whether to provide the Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. What is the position of the likely Chancellor Friedrich Merz, why is this weapon so valuable to Ukraine, and what are the concerns in Germany?
The topic of providing Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles is once again relevant in Germany. Why is this debate being renewed right now, and what will this mean for the new German government?
The initial situation
Germany is the second most important military supporter of Ukraine after the United States. However, the provision of some weapon systems is controversial - especially the cruise missiles requested by Kiev “Taurus“. This German long-range weapon system would allow the Ukrainian air force to launch attacks deep into Russian territory. However, outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz has categorically refused to give “Taurus“ missiles to Ukraine - something that could change under his likely successor Friedrich Merz.
What is Merz's position on “Taurus“?
As an opposition leader, Merz has already called for “Taurus“ to be sent to Ukraine's aid. His argument was that it could destroy the supply routes that Moscow uses to bomb the civilian population in Ukraine. The CDU/CSU submitted several proposals to the Bundestag in support of the supply of the “Taurus“, but they were rejected by the current ruling coalition, which included the Social Democrats (SPD), the Greens and the Free Democrats (FDP). The CDU/CSU, in turn, has always sharply criticized this position of Scholz and his SPD party.
In recent days, future Chancellor Merz confirmed in a popular political talk show on ARD that he is ready to supply the Ukrainian army with this German weapon - but after coordination with Germany's European partners. “I am not convinced that Putin will react positively to weakness and peace proposals. At some point he will have to admit the hopelessness of this war. "That's why we need to help Ukraine," he argued.
What were Scholz's arguments?
Scholz's main argument against the delivery of the Taurus weapons system was that it would risk Germany being drawn into the war in Ukraine. Scholz also claims that the deployment of Taurus would require the participation of German military personnel, which he rules out as a possibility.
Could Taurus become a bone of contention for the new coalition?
Merz's initiative sparked a new public debate and exposed the differences between the future ruling parties. The current (and very likely future) Minister of Defense, Boris Pistorius, stated that despite the good arguments in favor of providing Taurus, there are also those who are against it. And only a small part of them can be discussed publicly, he specified, quoted by ARD.
Pistorius also commented on the coordination with allies that Merz was talking about: “I don't know of any European partner with such a system. That's why such coordination is problematic.“
What is the position of the other parties?
The Greens and the Free Democrats, who are no longer represented in the new Bundestag, generally approve of sending the German weapons system to Ukraine, and two leading Green politicians encouraged Merz to coordinate the step with Germany's European partners “ as quickly as possible“.
Against the provision of Taurus cruise missiles to Kiev are the “Alternative for Germany“ (AfD), the Left Party and the “Sarah Wagenknecht“ Alliance. They argue with the danger of Germany becoming a party to the war. The Left Party emphasizes that with this weapon, Moscow will fall within the range of the Ukrainian army for direct attacks.
What makes the “Taurus“ so interesting for Ukraine?
“Taurus“ is one of the most modern missiles of the Bundeswehr. With a range of up to 500 km, pilots do not have to enter enemy airspace to launch it. The missiles, which are about five meters long and weigh almost 1,400 kilograms, are equipped with their own engine and four independent navigation systems. Flying autonomously at a low altitude of less than 50 meters, they are difficult to hit by enemy air defenses.
According to the Bundeswehr, "heavily fortified target structures", such as bunkers, can be destroyed with a precise hit. Ukraine could also use the cruise missiles to attack targets on Russian territory, such as military bases from which Russia carries out missile and drone attacks. The bridge to the Crimean peninsula, which has been attacked before and even damaged several times, but without being destroyed, would also be a potential target. In theory, the Taurus cruise missiles could reach Moscow, but such possible strikes would have to be authorized by Ukraine's Western allies, ARD points out.
Does Ukraine already have similar weapons systems?
Great Britain has delivered the Storm Shadow cruise missiles, and France the similar Scalp system. These are also cruise missiles for attacks on targets such as bunkers or critical infrastructure. They are launched from fighter jets and have a range of over 250 km. However, their range is significantly less than that of the “Taurus“.
The US has also supplied Ukraine with short-range “ATACMS“ missiles, which are launched from the ground. They have a range of up to 300 km. After launch, they fly along a ballistic curve and then explode on the ground.