Ukraine’s first German-funded long-range missiles to arrive in July
Photo: Major General Christian Freding (Getty Images)
The first Ukrainian long-range missiles, the production of which was financed by Germany, will enter service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine by the end of July, according to ZDF heute.
Major General Christian Freuding stated that the program was launched at the end of May.
Recently, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense signed a contract with domestic arms manufacturers, and Berlin fully covered the funding.
The total number of these missiles is expected to reach "triple digits" in the coming months.
"We need weapons systems that reach deep into the Russian region, that can strike warehouses, command and control centers, airfields, and aircraft," Freuding emphasized.
The general confirmed that the frontline situation remains tense.
Russian forces have held the tactical initiative in certain areas for several weeks, and the air situation for Ukraine has worsened—especially amid massive attacks on major cities.
In Freuding's view, long-range weapons will allow Ukraine's army to regain the initiative by striking the enemy's critical infrastructure tens or even hundreds of kilometers behind the front lines.
He added that Germany is ready to continue supplying Ukraine with such weapons.
He also noted ongoing development in Ukraine of local production of spare parts for Western artillery systems, as well as improvements in drone technology.
Germany's support
Earlier, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that his country would provide a significant share of funding for Starlink in Ukraine. The statement noted that Germany has already committed to funding part of Ukraine's satellite communications starting in April.
This also applies to the Ukrainian military's command communications systems. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius additionally promised ongoing support for Ukraine's medical sector. Germany will fund medical equipment, including items produced in Ukraine.
These support services for Ukraine's armed forces total about five billion euros, with funds already approved by the Bundestag.
Taurus missiles from Germany
As a reminder, German media earlier reported that Germany had allegedly decided to classify its arms deliveries to Ukraine. Previously, all of Berlin's military support was made public online. At the same time, Friedrich Merz claimed he was ready to approve the transfer of long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.
