Hundreds of anti-aircraft missiles that Germany pledged for Ukraine are useless Cold War relics from East Germany and are packed in boxes so moldy that anyone handling them has to wear protective gear, according to a report.
Out of the 2,700 “Strela” anti-aircraft missiles that Germany earmarked for Ukrainian fighters trying to fend off a Russian invasion, at least 700 are inoperable, Der Spiegel reported. The aging weapons are Soviet-made and date from the pre-1990 East German National People’s Army.
“The Russian invasion of Ukraine marks a turning point,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said last week when he pledged arms to Ukraine. “It threatens our entire post-war order. In this situation, it is our duty to support Ukraine to the best of our ability in its defense against Vladimir Putin’s invading army.”
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Initially, Germany pledged to send 5,000 helmets to Ukraine, a show of support that was seen as tepid and drew widespread mockery. But Scholz’s announcement on Saturday was received as a proper show of support. While the European powerhouse is sending anti-tank weapons and thousands of usable anti-aircraft missiles, the latest revelation is likely to cause more headaches in Berlin.
The Strela missiles have not been used in exercises by the German military, called the Bundeswehr, since 2014. Now, the weaponry is packed in wooden boxes so moldy that soldiers can’t even go near them without donning protective clothing, the outlet reported. They were earmarked for demolition, but those plans were reportedly scuttled because of environmental concerns. In addition, Der Spiegel reported that the handpieces necessary for firing the missiles are missing.
The Strela air defense missile system was introduced in the early 1970s and widely exported to Soviet allies. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, they were passed on to successor states. A classified military document obtained by Der Spiegel said the relics are not safe to use.
“Owing to the obsolescence of the rocket motor, the Strela missile is no longer safe to handle, so it can no longer be fired,” it said.
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A spokesman for Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht told Der Spiegel that no defective weapons would be sent to Ukraine.
“Everything that the Bundeswehr hands over has been checked,” said the spokesman.
This week, Germany handed over 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine. Ukraine has asked for more, including anti-drone guns, microwave destruction systems, electronic tracking systems, night vision goggles, surveillance cameras, and ammunition.
