Germany has delivered only 500 of the 2,700 Strela anti-aircraft missiles it promised to Ukraine in early March to help shore up its defenses against the Russian invasion, Welt am Sonntag revealed.
The shoulder-fired missiles were the second batch of armaments Berlin pledged to send to Ukraine following the delivery of 1,000 anti-tank and 500 anti-aircraft missiles.
The decision was a reversal of Germany’s long-standing policy of not sending weapons to war zones stemming from its contrition over the Nazi era.
Reasons
Citing Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, The Telegraph wrote that the arms consignment couldn’t reach Ukraine as it was “caught up in bureaucracy.”
Welt am Sonntag cited a German defense ministry spokeswoman as saying that “any weapons deliveries would only take place after approval by the Federal Security Council.”
German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht revealed another reason for the missile’s insufficient supply, stating that German arms reserves had been depleted. The government might have to seek out the manufacturers for increased production.
Retired in 2012
Moreover, around 700 Strelas lying in storage have reportedly expired, raising doubts whether Berlin would be able to immediately fulfill its promise.
The 60s-era missile system, with a range of 3,700 meters (12,100 feet), was retired from service in 2012 after a defect was found in its munitions, The Telegraph wrote, citing the German defense ministry.
Disappointed Ukraine
Ukrainian ambassador to Berlin Andrij Melnyk expressed disappointment at the German response, calling it “fearful, insecure, indecisive and shocked.”
“In Berlin, politicians praise the bravery of the Ukrainians. That drives me crazy. What we need are three things: weapons, weapons and weapons,” The Telegraph quoted him as saying to General Anzeiger.
President of the diaspora organization Ukrainian World Congress Paul Grod explained that the arms supply to the country is less than what was promised.
“I was in communication with the [Ukrainian] Minister of Defence this morning and the message is very, very clear.
“They have lots of declarations of support but are getting very little. It’s barely trickling in and they are running out of supplies.”
He said Ukraine’s forces need “sophisticated anti-aircraft equipment, because that’s where Russia is launching its air terror campaign.”