Bavarian Missiles: A Halted Project And Its Legacy

The Bavarian missiles refer to the US missiles stationed in Germany. The US plans to station SM-6 missiles, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and developmental hypersonic weapons in Germany by 2026. This move is in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and aims to affirm its commitment to NATO and European defence. However, there is opposition to this plan, with some arguing that it escalates the conflict and increases the danger of a nuclear confrontation. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has also opposed supplying Ukraine with German Taurus cruise missiles, which have a range of 500 kilometers and can fly below the radar of air defences.

The US plans to station missiles in Germany

The US has announced plans to station missiles in Germany, marking a new phase in the Ukraine war and escalating tensions with Russia. The US intends to begin "episodic deployments" of long-range missiles in Germany in 2026, with the aim of demonstrating its commitment to NATO and European defence. This decision has been welcomed by Germany's chancellor, Olaf Scholz, who stated that it aligns with his government's security strategy. However, it has also sparked fierce criticism and prompted warnings from Russia.

The missiles to be stationed in Germany include Tomahawk cruise, SM-6, and hypersonic weapons. These missiles have a range of over 2,000 kilometres, allowing them to reach deep into Russian territory. The decision to deploy these weapons has been justified as a necessary step to protect Ukraine and deter Russia. However, critics argue that it increases the risk of Germany becoming a theatre of war and fuels a new arms race.

In response to the US plans, Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to take "mirror measures". He warned that Russia would consider deploying similar missiles within striking distance of the West if the US moves forward with its plans. Putin also compared the US decision to the NATO deployment of Pershing II launchers in western Europe during the Cold War, which triggered fears of a potential strike on the Soviet Union's political and military leadership.

The US-German missile plans have also sparked opposition within Germany, with politicians across the political spectrum expressing concerns. Some members of Scholz's government have called for more clarity, while critics argue that it undermines efforts to reduce nuclear arsenals. The far-right populist AfD leader, Tino Chrupalla, criticised Scholz for damaging Germany's relationship with Russia irreparably.

Amid the growing opposition and tensions, the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party) and the World Socialist Web Site have strongly condemned the escalation, warning of the danger of a nuclear confrontation between the major imperialist powers and Russia. They argue that the NATO powers are the main aggressors and that the only way to prevent a third world war is to build an independent anti-war movement of the international working class.

Russia vows to respond to US missiles in Germany

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has warned that his country will take "mirror measures" in response to the US's planned deployment of longer-range and hypersonic missiles in Germany. Speaking at a naval parade in St Petersburg, Putin said that Russia would consider itself "free from the previously imposed unilateral moratorium on the deployment of intermediate and shorter-range strike weapons". Putin added that Moscow's development of suitable systems is "in its final stage".

The US announced earlier this month that it will start deploying the weapons in 2026, as part of its commitment to NATO and European defence following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The US weapons to be placed in Germany will include SM-6 missiles, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and "developmental hypersonic weapons", some of which have a range of almost 2,800 kilometres and are capable of evading Russian missile defence systems.

In response to the US plans, Putin threatened to increase the capability of Russia's coastal naval forces and to deploy new strike weapons. Putin's comments come after Russia's deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, said last week that the Kremlin did not rule out new deployments of nuclear missiles in response to the US move, particularly in Kaliningrad, Russia's heavily militarised exclave between NATO members Poland and Lithuania.

The US and Russia have both signalled their readiness to deploy intermediate-range ground-based weapons that were banned under a 1987 treaty. The US withdrew from the treaty in 2019, accusing Moscow of conducting missile tests that violated the agreement. Russia denied the allegations, which came at a time of heightened tensions between Moscow and the West following the downing of a Malaysian airliner over eastern Ukraine in 2014.

Germany's Scholz reiterates opposition to supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has once again rejected calls to deliver Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, citing the risk of Germany becoming directly involved in the war. Scholz's stance has been a source of tension within his governing coalition and has drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers, who accuse him of mistrusting Ukraine.

Germany's Position on Taurus Missiles

Speaking at a parliamentary question-and-answer session on March 13, 2024, Scholz maintained his long-held position on the Taurus missiles, stating that they are a "very long-range weapon" with a range of up to 500 kilometers. He argued that using these missiles would require German soldiers on the ground, either in Ukraine or elsewhere, to identify targets and program the weapons, and that this was a line he was unwilling to cross as chancellor.

Concerns About German Involvement

Scholz emphasized that Germany must carefully weigh each decision regarding military aid to Ukraine and that prudence does not equate to weakness. He asserted that Germany remains the largest supplier of military aid to Ukraine in Europe and reiterated his trust in Ukraine as a recipient of German weapons. However, Scholz drew a distinction between providing weapons like the Leopard 2 battle tanks and supplying the Taurus missiles, which he believes would escalate Germany's involvement in the conflict.

Political Fallout

The chancellor's refusal to send Taurus missiles has caused friction within his governing coalition, with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock urging the government to "intensively consider" dispatching the missiles. The opposition Christian Democrats are pushing for a parliamentary vote to force the issue, hoping to exploit divisions in the governing coalition.

Leaked Conversations

Scholz's stance on the Taurus missiles gained attention following a leaked recording of German air force officers discussing the potential supply of these missiles to Ukraine and operational scenarios in the conflict. The leak caused embarrassment for the Bundeswehr and was seen as a propaganda victory for Russia. In the recording, the officers discussed the degree of German involvement required and ways to minimize the German government's role if the weapons were supplied.

International Context

While Germany hesitates, other NATO allies have stepped up. The United Kingdom and France have already sent Ukraine their Storm Shadow and SCALP cruise missiles, respectively, and the US is reportedly planning to provide additional Army Tactical Missile Systems.

The role of MBDA Germany in the European missile market

MBDA is a European multinational developer and manufacturer of missiles. It was created in 2001 after the merger of the main French, British, and Italian missile systems companies: Matra, BAe Dynamics, and Alenia. MBDA has maintained national divisions since its creation, with MBDA Germany being formed in 2006 after the acquisition of LFK-Lenkflugkörpersysteme GmbH, the German missile subsidiary of EADS.

MBDA Germany plays a significant role in the European missile market, particularly as a major supplier to the German armed forces, with around 1,300 employees. The company produces missiles and missile equipment such as warheads, guidance systems, and propulsion systems. In addition to supplying the German market, MBDA Germany also exports its products to foreign countries. For example, in October 2024, it was chosen by the Korea Aerospace Industries to arm helicopters with the Mistral ATAM anti-air missile system.

MBDA Germany's role in the European missile market is expected to be further enhanced by the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), launched in 2022 by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The programme aims to strengthen Europe's air defences by acquiring additional equipment, including missiles and air defence systems. MBDA is well-positioned to benefit from the ESSI, as it is a leading company in defence armament and has a historical partnership with Raytheon, supplying it with some components. Thomas Gottschild, MBDA Deutschland’s managing director, has expressed a commitment to European cooperation in the development of air defence systems.

In addition to its supply and export activities, MBDA has also invested in research and development, contributing to technological innovations in the European missile market. In June 2024, the company announced the development of a new missile system, dubbed Aquila, to intercept hypersonic threats. This system is part of the European programme Hydis (Hypersonic Defense Interceptor), which brings together a consortium of 19 companies. MBDA's involvement in research and development enhances its position in the European missile market and contributes to the advancement of air defence capabilities.

The history of Bayern-Chemie's rocket motor production

Bayern-Chemie, a subsidiary of MBDA, is a world leader in guided missile and space propulsion technology. The company has over 60 years of experience in the development and production of rocket motors and ramjets.

Bayern-Chemie's expertise in rocket propulsion systems is well-recognised, with the company being chosen as a partner of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) and other European armed forces. The company's rocket motors are known for their simple and robust design, modular expandability, ease of handling, and insensitivity to radiation.

One of Bayern-Chemie's notable achievements is the development of the propulsion system for the Meteor air-to-air guided missile. This missile is part of the next generation of Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAMs) and offers fighter aircraft enhanced capabilities in air combat. The Meteor's propulsion system is a solid propellant, variable thrust ramjet with an integral rocket booster. This design provides the missile with sustained thrust throughout its flight, giving it the largest no-escape zone among air-to-air missiles on the market.

In addition to the Meteor, Bayern-Chemie has also developed rocket motors for the ENFORCER small guided missile and the RESUS Solid rescue system for submarines. The company has also produced over 10,000 gas generators for various guided missile systems, including the ASPIDE and SIDEWINDER.

Bayern-Chemie's rocket motors come in a variety of configurations, including solid fuel, variable thrust, double-pulse engines, and gel-based propulsion. The company has also developed hypervelocity propulsion with their HFK1 and HFK2 missiles, capable of achieving hypersonic speeds of Mach 5 and Mach 7, respectively.

Furthermore, Bayern-Chemie has been at the forefront of innovation in space propulsion. The company has been a project partner in the development of the SABRE (Synergetic Air Breathing Rocket Engine) for the SKYLON space launcher. Bayern-Chemie's contributions include designing and testing key components such as the air intake, bypass system, and ramjet combustion chambers.

With its extensive experience, cutting-edge technology, and commitment to environmentally friendly practices, Bayern-Chemie continues to play a pivotal role in the advancement of rocket motor production for both military and civilian applications.

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