Germany Moves to Buy Ukrainian Bars Missiles for Military Trials

Germany is preparing to buy Ukrainian-developed Bars missiles for its armed forces for the first time, according to a Financial Times report that cites sources familiar with the plans. The report was relayed by European Pravda and Ukrainska Pravda.

The sources say the German government is expected to sign an agreement in the coming weeks for an initial batch of the missiles. The Bundeswehr would use them for technical trials early next year. If the results are satisfactory, the purchase could be expanded to several hundred units.

The Bars is a jet-powered missile with a range of up to 1,000 km and a payload of up to 105 kg, depending on the modification. Ukrainians sometimes call it a drone missile, but Germany classifies it as a low-cost cruise missile.

The move is part of a wider German effort to strengthen European deterrence against Moscow by building up an arsenal of long-range strike weapons. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described the Bars as one of the weapons used to hit military bases and energy facilities on Russian territory.

Bars missiles have also been produced in Germany in recent months by a joint Ukrainian-German company, whose operations remain shrouded in secrecy. The first batch of German-made missiles, paid for by the German side, was delivered to Ukraine in October. The joint venture will now also produce for Germany, which would mark the first known procurement of Ukrainian-developed offensive weaponry for the Bundeswehr's own needs.

Berlin also plans to buy and test a small batch of Anthem cruise missiles made by the US startup Covenant. The Anthem costs roughly one-tenth as much as a Tomahawk, which is priced between US$4 million and US$6 million. One source said the Bars is cheaper still, but Germany is ready to purchase both systems. Plans to acquire the Ukrainian Flamingo cruise missile have been postponed for now.

At present, the German armed forces use only the air-launched Taurus cruise missile, whose range is about 500 km. Germany's plan to buy the BGM-109 Tomahawk and the Typhon ground-based launcher from US manufacturer Raytheon could be delayed by up to five years.

Media reports indicate that the German government expects to spend nearly €12 billion on a new arsenal of long-range weapons meant to deter Russia. Separately, Denmark recently announced a billion-dollar deal to buy high-precision long-range missiles for the first time in its history, as it seeks to strengthen its security.