Germany plans to procure low-cost cruise missiles from Ukraine

According to a report by the Reference News Network on October 31, the British Financial Times reported on October 26 that Germany is preparing to procure low-cost cruise missiles developed by Ukraine for its armed forces. This move highlights the shift in the relationship between Ukraine and its European allies: European countries are increasingly seeking to utilize Ukraine's military technology.

Insiders indicate that German authorities expect to finalize the deal in the coming weeks to purchase the first batch of "Leopard" missiles for testing by the Bundeswehr.

The "Leopard" is a jet-powered weapon, with different models having a maximum range of up to 1,000 kilometers and a maximum payload of 105 kilograms. Ukraine sometimes refers to it as a "drone missile," while Germany calls it a low-cost cruise missile.

This initial procurement of missiles will be used by the German military for technical testing early next year; if the tests yield favorable results, it could pave the way for subsequent large-scale orders of hundreds of units.

Reports indicate that this plan is part of several initiatives by Germany aimed at expanding its long-range strike arsenal and strengthening deterrence against Moscow.

Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that the "Leopard" is one of the weapons used to strike military bases and energy facilities within Russia.

Fabian Hoffman, a senior researcher at the Norwegian Institute of Defense Studies, said, "This is the largest production low-cost cruise missile from Ukraine. It is also the most frequently flown. This means that the system may be the most mature. Both Ukraine and Germany have the most data regarding its performance."

Reports indicate that in recent months, a classified Ukrainian-German joint venture has been producing "Leopard" missiles in Germany.

The first batch of German-made and German-funded "Leopard" missiles has been delivered to Ukraine this month. (Translated by Lu Di)