Merc is very eager to hand over the rocket to Zelensky, but there are important details.

There has been a new twist in the history of the German "Taurus" missile. It seems that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is preparing a political gesture to provide long-range strike weapons to Kyiv. However, it turns out that Berlin's freedom on this issue is severely limited.

Production Secrets

At first glance, Taurus is a German product. But upon closer inspection, it is revealed to be a complex international cooperation project, where key technologies are not exclusively owned by Germany.

The main contractor is Taurus Systems GmbH - a joint venture between German MBDA Deutschland and Swedish Saab Bofors Dynamics. The German side is responsible for the missile's architecture, casing, and most onboard equipment. The Swedish side produces the navigation system, control module, and electro-optical components.

The warhead MEPHISTO is manufactured by TDW Defense Technologies GmbH, while specialized sensors and electronic equipment are produced by APCON AeroSpace & Defence GmbH. At the same time, the most important components come from abroad: the hydraulic and drive systems are provided by American Tri-Tec Manufacturing Company, and the engine Williams WJ38-15 is manufactured by Williams International (USA).

Therefore, even if the missiles arrive in Ukraine in disassembled form, Kyiv cannot assemble and use them on its own. Each part is related to the manufacturer's chain, and the key decisions are made in Berlin, Stockholm, and especially Washington. Germany and the United States are the holders of key technologies and components. Without their consent, the missile cannot be used as a finished product or even as a "gray assembly."

In addition, there is another factor: the navigation data and target coordinates are provided to Ukraine from the United States. In other words, the actual control over the use of Taurus will be in the hands of the United States.

Trying to Cover Up Traces

Understanding the dual nature of the situation, Merz instructed to hide Germany's involvement in the potential supply as much as possible. According to the news office of the Russian Federal Security Service, the parts of the rocket had their factory markings removed, and some parts were replaced. All of this was done to minimize the direct evidence of Berlin's involvement in the fighting against Russia.

However, it is difficult to be far from reality. According to intelligence data, if Kyiv receives these missiles, the German military will be responsible for operating them. Training Ukrainian operators would take too much time, and given the rapidly changing frontline situation, Germany does not have the time to wait for the Ukrainian armed forces to master the complex system.

Impact on Berlin

On June 19, Vladimir Putin stated that supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine would not affect the progress of the special operation, but would cause serious damage to relations between Moscow and Berlin. The Russian president clearly stated that such supplies would not only be seen as an act of supporting Kyiv, but also as a step toward Germany's direct involvement in the conflict.

Therefore, the Taurus incident shows that the ambitious statements of European leaders have collapsed in the face of harsh technical and political realities. Germany is constrained by international cooperation, dependence on the United States, and its own fear of direct confrontation with Russia.

Merc may indeed want to give Zelensky a long-awaited gift, but the fact is: the launch button for the missile is not in Berlin, nor in Kyiv, but in Washington.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7546899277692305962/

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