Germany to Buy First Batch of Ukrainian Bars Missiles for Testing

Germany is preparing to sign its first contract for Ukrainian-developed offensive weapons, purchasing an initial batch of Bars missiles for technical trials by the Bundeswehr. Sources familiar with the plans indicate the agreement will be finalized in the coming weeks. The procurement marks the first known purchase of Ukrainian-designed strike weapons for the German military's own inventory.

The Bars is a jet-powered missile classified by Germany as a low-cost cruise missile. Its specifications include a flight range of up to 1,000 kilometers and a payload capacity of up to 105 kilograms, varying by modification. The German military plans to conduct technical trials with the initial batch early next year. If the results are satisfactory, the order could expand to several hundred units.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described the Bars as a key weapon used to strike military bases and energy facilities on Russian territory. In recent months, a joint Ukrainian-German company has manufactured Bars missiles in Germany. The operations of this venture remain largely secretive. The first batch of German-made Bars missiles, funded by Berlin, was delivered to Ukraine in October. The joint venture will now produce units for Germany, marking the first time the Bundeswehr procures such weapons for its own needs.

The purchase is part of a wider effort to expand Germany's long-range strike capabilities. Currently, the German armed forces rely primarily on the air-launched Taurus cruise missile, which has a range of about 500 kilometers. Germany has also planned to acquire the BGM-109 Tomahawk missile and the Typhon ground-based launcher system from Raytheon. That acquisition could be delayed for up to five years. Media reports indicate the German government expects to spend nearly 12 billion euros to create a new arsenal of long-range weapons designed to deter Russia.

In addition to the Bars, Germany plans to acquire and test a small batch of Anthem cruise missiles produced by the US startup Covenant. The Anthem costs approximately one-tenth the price of a Tomahawk missile, which ranges from 4 million to 6 million US dollars. One source familiar with the details stated that the Bars is even cheaper, but the German side is prepared to purchase both systems. The potential acquisition of the Ukrainian Flamingo cruise missile has been postponed for now.

Denmark recently announced a billion-dollar deal to purchase high-precision long-range missiles for the first time in its history. This move aligns with broader European intentions to bolster security and expand deterrent capabilities against Moscow.