**Germany to Supply Ukraine with Patriot Air Defense Systems, Not Taurus Cruise Missiles**
In a recent interview with the Financial Times, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius revealed that his country will provide Ukraine with Patriot air defense systems purchased from the US, but will not supply them with Taurus cruise missiles. The decision comes as Russia continues to wage war on Ukraine.
The move is significant, as Germany has been under pressure to increase its military support for Ukraine. However, Pistorius emphasized that industry needs to ramp up its capacities to meet the demand for arms and ammunition. He noted that there are currently only six Patriot systems available in Germany, with two being used in Poland and another always used for training or maintenance.
**Taurus Missile Decision**
The decision not to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine is a blow to Kyiv, which has long sought the long-range missile system. The Taurus missile has a range of 500 kilometers (300 miles), making it a valuable asset in the conflict against Russia. However, Pistorius stated that Germany does not have enough Taurus systems available to supply Ukraine.
**Berlin’s Security Role**
Despite the challenges, Pistorius emphasized that Berlin is committed to playing a leading role in ensuring European security amid the threat posed by Russia. He noted that Germany needs to make a contribution to the eastern flank of NATO, citing Lithuania, the Baltic states, and Poland as key locations.
**Industry Urged to Step Up**
Pistorius urged the defense industry to increase its production capacity to meet the new pace of demand. He emphasized that Germany needs to “get faster” in procuring replacements for existing military equipment. The Minister noted that the weakness of the past was that replacements were only procured once the existing ones were practically gone or broken.
**Long-Range Weapons Agreement**
In a separate development, Ukraine is set to receive hundreds of domestically produced long-range weapon systems, financed by Germany. The agreement was announced on July 11 by German Major General Christian Freuding. These systems will enable Ukraine to hit targets deep within Russian territory, including depots, command centers, airfields, and aircraft.
**Conclusion**
The decision not to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine is a significant development in the conflict against Russia. However, Germany’s commitment to providing Patriot air defense systems and its role in ensuring European security are a testament to Berlin’s dedication to supporting Ukraine. The industry is urged to step up production to meet the demand for arms and ammunition, and Ukraine can look forward to receiving long-range weapon systems that will enable it to counter Russian aggression.
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