In an urgent conversation with CNN, Foreign Minister Baerbock admits that some German arms deliveries, including Leopard tanks, are outdated and possibly defective. As the Ukraine conflict escalates, questions arise about the reliability of German military equipment.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock acknowledged in an interview with CNN that some German weapons, including recently delivered Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine, are outdated and may not be “really functional.” One of the reasons why Germany has not yet delivered Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine is the need to ensure that all weapons delivered are fully operational, Baerbock told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour. “We need to know exactly how every weapon works and who is able to use it,” emphasized the Foreign Minister.

Years of peace explain the state of German weapons

The Taurus missiles, manufactured in Germany, have a longer range than the French SCALP and British Storm Shadow weapons already deployed in Ukraine. With a range of up to 500 kilometers, these German cruise missiles could penetrate deep into Russian-occupied territories, including Crimea. Baerbock emphasized to CNN that Europe has not faced such a brutal war recently, which explains the state of some German weapons.

Ukraine rejects German tanks because they need repairs

The Ukrainian armed forces recently rejected a shipment of ten Leopard 1A5 tanks. The reason for this was necessary repairs that the Ukrainian military could not carry out. CNN also reported that leopards delivered from Germany in July had to deal with similar problems.