German Politicians Call for Enhanced Support for Ukraine With More F-16s and Taurus Missiles

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, the Chairwoman of the German Parliament's Defense Committee, called on the German government, as well as other EU states, to help Ukraine with the equipment of the F-16 fighter jets and the strengthening of air defense, in particular Taurus missiles.

"It is an important signal and effective support that the F-16s are finally being delivered," said Strack-Zimmermann in a commentary to the German publication Rheinische Post.

"All nations, not just Germany, must do everything in their power to protect Ukraine and help it to continue to defend itself. This also includes air defense units and, whether the chancellery [Olaf Scholz’s] wants to hear it or not, Taurus cruise missiles," added Strack-Zimmermann, who has repeatedly called on the German government to provide Taurus missiles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Taurus is a joint German-Swedish cruise missile with a range exceeding 500 kilometers.

The Christian Democratic Union of Germany sees the situation similarly. Member of the German Parliament (CDU), Roderich Kiesewetter, called for sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine and delivering more F-16s, noting that the F-16s delivered so far are very small in number.

"However, a much larger number would be needed to gain air supremacy, which could have been delivered much earlier," said the CDU politician.

He added that Ukraine must be able to eliminate military logistics, material depots, ammunition depots, drone factories, airfields, and command posts of the attacking Russian army that are located in Russia. 

"This means that long-range precision weapons such as Taurus and ATACMS with a range of 300 kilometers are still enormously important," said Kiesewetter.

On August 4, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy officially confirmed the arrival of F-16 fighters in Ukraine. The exact number of aircraft delivered was not disclosed.

"The F-16s are a significant reinforcement for Ukraine. The USA alone could significantly strengthen the package," said the Deputy Chairman of the CDU/CSU. "More importantly, however, in order to use these effectively, all supporters must examine what contributions they can make. This also includes armament." Adding that Germany must examine whether it can help here.