As the debate over a possible delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine continues to simmer, it has now emerged that only just under half of the Bundeswehr’s Taurus systems are actually operational. For this reason, according to a media report, a modernization of stocks is planned.
According to information from the German newspaper “Die Welt”, the Defense Committee of the Bundestag was recently informed about this. As a result, the certification of half of the approximately 600 systems has expired. These cruise missiles now need to be completely overhauled. But the weapons that are still usable are also being modernized, it is said.
This makes exchanging rings with Great Britain easier
That does not mean that Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s veto is slowly crumbling. However, this could make a ring swap proposed by the British government – which would see Taurus sent to London, while the British could in turn pass more Storm Shadow missiles to Kiev – easier. Because if the Bundeswehr has more operational systems, it can transfer some of them more easily. There will be no defense gap until supplies are produced.
Merz: ‘Anyone who refuses help increases the risk of war’
In the run-up to the new vote on the delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine, the tone in the coalition is becoming increasingly tense. On Tuesday, SPD faction leader Rolf Mützenich called on coalition partners FDP and the Greens to impose consequences on MPs who support a proposal by the opposition CDU/CSU for the supply of cruise missiles. The Bundestag will vote on the Union motion by name on Thursday. The leaders of the FDP and the Greens confirmed on Tuesday that their groups are in favor of a delivery of Taurus. They still refused to accept the Union’s proposal because they consider it a tactical game.
CDU/CSU faction leader Friedrich Merz emphasized that, in his view, Thursday’s vote was not about a single weapon system. Rather, it concerns “very fundamental questions about Ukraine’s defense capabilities.” The country is in a very difficult situation and its defense is becoming increasingly difficult. “Anyone who refuses this aid to Ukraine will not increase the chances for peace, but rather increase the risk of war,” Merz warned.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
