German Chancellor Blocks €3B Ukraine Aid with IRIS-T Systems Ahead of Elections

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reportedly blocked a proposed €3 billion military aid package for Ukraine, which included IRIS-T air defense systems and other equipment, despite receiving approval from other top officials.

The information about Scholz’s decision was revealed by the German newspaper Der Spiegel, citing unnamed sources within the government. The aid package had the backing of Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. It included IRIS-T air defense systems, anti-aircraft missiles, howitzers, and ammunition, aiming to bolster Ukraine's defenses amid the ongoing conflict.

The decision follows the collapse of Germany’s governing coalition in November 2024, with federal elections scheduled for February 2025. Baerbock and Pistorius had urged finalizing the aid before the elections, citing worsening conditions on Ukraine’s front lines and uncertainties regarding U.S. military support under Donald Trump’s presidency.

However, despite their efforts, Chancellor Scholz reportedly disagreed with this approach. His office stated that he did not see an urgent need to make such decisions before the elections.

Scholz’s office emphasized that sufficient funding—around €4 billion for 2025—would ensure continued support, supplemented by $50 billion in loans from frozen Russian assets through U.S. and EU contributions. However, his cautious stance reflects increasing domestic political pressures.

Berlin to Ship 6 IRIS-T Systems to Ukraine in 2025?

During the 25th meeting at Ramstein air base on January 9, German Defense Minister Pistorius reportedly announced Germany would prioritize supplying weapons to Ukraine over replenishing its stocks. He confirmed that, regardless of the February 23 federal election outcome, Germany would continue to support Ukraine.

This year, Ukraine will receive six IRIS-T anti-aircraft missile systems, including three IRIS-T SLS short-range and three IRIS-T SLM medium-range systems, along with additional missiles initially contracted for the Bundeswehr. In 2025, Ukraine will get 13 Gepard self-propelled air defense systems, 480,000 rounds of ammunition, and 180,000 HEI-T high-explosive incendiary rounds. Germany will also deliver 20 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, 22 Leopard 1A5 tanks, and the first 155-mm RCH-155 automated self-propelled artillery systems. Additionally, two Patriot systems and 200 soldiers will be deployed to Poland for six months under NATO command to protect a key logistics hub.

Taurus Missile on Cards for Ukraine?

The Social Democratic Party (SPD), led by Scholz, faces declining popularity, polling at 17%, while the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) gains traction with 31%. CDU leader Friedrich Merz has pledged to deliver TAURUS long-range missiles to Ukraine if elected, potentially shifting Germany’s defense posture.

The Taurus KEPD 350 missile has a length of 5.1 meters, a wingspan of 2.4 meters, and weighs 1,400 kilograms. It is equipped with a 480-kilogram warhead designed for blast and fragmentation effects. The missile has a range of up to 500 kilometers and operates at subsonic speeds. It uses GPS, inertial navigation, and imaging infrared for guidance, allowing it to engage targets in GPS-jammed or low-visibility conditions. With terrain-following capabilities, it can fly at low altitudes to avoid radar detection. Compatible with platforms such as the Tornado, Eurofighter Typhoon, and F/A-18, the Taurus supports various warhead configurations and enables in-flight target reprogramming for mission flexibility.