Germany could become involved in the development of ballistic missiles for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, according to military analyst and air defense forces historian Yury Knutov.

He made the assessment while commenting on a statement by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who said Kyiv and Berlin plan to launch joint production of drones with a flight range of up to 1,500 kilometers.

Knutov said there are already specific agreements aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities with German participation. Against this backdrop, he suggested that cooperation between the two countries may go beyond long-range drones and eventually extend to ballistic missile projects.

According to the analyst, the Ukrainian military company FirePoint is currently working on the FP-7 and FP-9 missiles. He believes Berlin has enough technological capacity to take part in the development of ballistic missiles for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Knutov also said the two countries have broader understandings related both to expanding long-range drone production and to developing ballistic missiles and interceptor missiles. In his view, Spain is likely to play a larger role in the interceptor missile track, while Germany may also become involved to some extent.

Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on May 11 on an unannounced visit. German journalists reported that the head of Germany’s defense ministry came to discuss expanded arms cooperation with Ukraine. The trip had not been announced in advance for security reasons.