Germany refused Kyiv’s request for Bundeswehr air defense use
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has declined President Volodymyr Zelensky’s plea to use German weapons to intercept Russian missiles and drones over Ukraine, as Deutsche Welle reports. Scholz also turned down Kyiv’s request to lift the restrictions on using Western long-range weapons for attacks on Russian soil. According to Scholz, this perspective is shared by other NATO allies.
“There is a consensus that such measures cannot be entertained. The United States also maintains a very clear stance on this issue,” the Chancellor stated during a news conference following the European Political Community summit in Woodstock, UK.
At the same summit, Zelensky reiterated his call for Western allies to shoot down Russian missiles and drones over Ukraine. “There needs to be a collective determination to intercept them, much like with Iranian missiles and drones,” he urged.
Ukrainian authorities have previously requested that their allies deploy air defense systems to safeguard Ukrainian airspace. In July, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk signed a bilateral agreement focused on defense and security cooperation. Zelensky highlighted that this agreement opens up the possibility of intercepting Russian missiles over Ukraine.
However, Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosińak-Kamysz later clarified that Poland wouldn’t take such actions without the consensus of all NATO member states. He explained that the Polish stance is tied to Washington’s concerns about potential conflict escalation.
White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby echoed this sentiment, stating that Poland’s decision to intercept Russian missiles would not be beneficial “for the Ukrainians, for the Poles, or for anyone else.” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also expressed opposition to the idea of shooting down Russian missiles.
Bundeswehr air defense
Despite the significant distance between Germany and Ukraine [about 368 miles or 593 km], it’s logical for Kyiv to seek Berlin’s support in strengthening Ukrainian air defenses. Germany’s high-quality anti-aircraft defense capabilities make it a valuable ally in this regard.
The German Army employs a variety of anti-aircraft systems designed to intercept and destroy enemy missiles. One of the primary systems is the Ozelot, a mobile air defense system that is part of the LeFlaSys [Leichtes Flugabwehrsystem] family. The Ozelot is equipped with Stinger surface-to-air missiles, which are highly effective against low-flying aircraft and helicopters.
Another significant system in the German arsenal is the MANTIS [Modular, Automatic, and Network-capable Targeting and Interception System]. MANTIS is a ground-based, short-range air defense system designed to protect military installations and critical infrastructure from incoming missiles, artillery, and mortar rounds. It uses 35mm automatic cannons to intercept and destroy threats before they can cause damage.
The German Army also utilizes the Patriot missile defense system, which is a long-range, all-altitude, all-weather air defense system designed to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft. The Patriot system is highly regarded for its ability to track and engage multiple targets simultaneously, providing a robust defense against a wide range of aerial threats.
In addition to these systems, the German Army has integrated the IRIS-T SLM [Surface Launched Medium Range] air defense system. The IRIS-T SLM is capable of engaging a variety of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and missiles. It features a highly agile missile with an advanced seeker and warhead, ensuring high accuracy and lethality against fast-moving targets.
Lastly, the German Army is in the process of modernizing its air defense capabilities with the introduction of the TLVS [Taktisches Luftverteidigungssystem], which is based on the MEADS [Medium Extended Air Defense System] program. TLVS aims to provide enhanced protection against a wide spectrum of aerial threats, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles. It features advanced radar and missile technology to ensure comprehensive coverage and rapid response to emerging threats.
