Germany to Sign Contract for Ukrainian Bars Missiles

German soldiers will soon test a new class of long-range strike weapons designed in Ukraine. The Bundeswehr is preparing to sign a contract for an initial batch of Bars missiles, marking the first time Germany will procure offensive weaponry developed by the Ukrainian state for its own forces. According to sources cited by the Financial Times, the government is expected to finalize the agreement in the coming weeks.

The Bars is a jet-powered cruise missile with a maximum range of 1,000 km. Depending on the specific modification, it can carry a payload of up to 105 kg. While Ukrainian forces often refer to the system as a drone missile, the German military classifies it as a low-cost cruise missile. This designation matters for procurement and operational planning, as it distinguishes the weapon from larger, more expensive traditional cruise missiles.

The purchase is part of a strategic push to expand Germany’s long-range strike capabilities. Currently, the German armed forces rely primarily on the air-launched Taurus missile, which has a range of approximately 500 km. The planned acquisition of US-made Tomahawk missiles and Typhon launchers may be delayed by up to five years, creating a gap that the Bars is intended to fill during the interim.

Production of the Bars already takes place in Germany through a joint Ukrainian-German venture. The first batch of missiles manufactured in Germany and paid for by Berlin was delivered to Ukraine in October. This new contract will see the joint venture producing units for the German side. If the technical trials in early 2027 yield satisfactory results, Berlin plans to expand the purchase to several hundred units.

The decision to buy the Bars coincides with other procurement efforts. Germany also intends to test a small batch of Anthem cruise missiles from US startup Covenant. The Anthem is priced at roughly one-tenth the cost of a Tomahawk, which ranges from US$4 million to US$6 million. One source noted that the Bars is even cheaper than the Anthem, but Berlin is proceeding with both systems. Plans to acquire the Ukrainian Flamingo cruise missile have been postponed for now.

This move aligns with a wider European effort to bolster deterrence against Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described the Bars as a key weapon used to strike military bases and energy facilities on Russian territory. Media reports indicate that the German government expects to spend nearly €12 billion on a new arsenal of long-range weapons. Denmark recently announced a similar billion-dollar deal for high-precision long-range missiles, reflecting a shared continental trend toward strengthening strategic strike capabilities.