Thread by @FRHoffmann1

To no one's surprise, it took around 24h for the secret information that was referenced in the parliamentary debate on Taurus to leak. This information pertains to the processing power required for inputting & processing targeting data. Some thoughts: 1/10
t-online.de/nachrichten/de…

The notion that the Taurus targeting process necessitates large amounts processing power and data is not a new or secret revelation. Broadly speaking, there is a "simple" and an "extended" Taurus mission planning protocol. The two are also referenced in the leaked call. 2/10

"Simple" mission planning typically involves waypoint navigation using GPS. While this simplifies the planning process, it also renders Taurus more vulnerable to countermeasures and reduces accuracy. 3/10

"Extended" mission planning is more complex. Here you integrate topographical data for TERCOM, pictures for image-based navigation, data on enemy air defense positions, and more detailed models of your target. 4/10

The probability of Taurus reaching and eliminating its target rises with the complexity of the mission planning process, as discussed in the leaked call. The greater the intricacy of the targeting process, the higher the level of training required by the Ukrainians. 5/10.

Keep in mind that this kind of extended mission planning was feasible back in the early 2000s, so it doesn't require supercomputer-level technology. It's also entirely achievable to store the necessary data separately from the physical data processing machines. 6/10

In the leaked call, officers discussed how Storm Shadow mission planning is conducted through "reach back." This likely refers to accessing some data stored in the UK. This indicates that the UK helps Ukraine perform an extended mission planning process in Ukraine. 7/10

Does this change anything? Absolutely not. Ukraine is fully capable of developing its own data processing infrastructure and obtaining its targeting own data, which they probably already have. Let's not forget that Ukraine also has its own cruise missile program. 8/10

The fact remains, that if there was political willingness to allow Ukraine to use Taurus, the government would find a solution that minimizes and potentially prevents any direct Bundeswehr involvement in Ukraine. The key issue is the lack of political will. 9/10

This has been a savvy political move by the SPD. They invited high-ranking officers to a "secret" meeting where reporting was not allowed, talking about the scarcity of German equipment. It's no surprise that this tactic influenced some uninformed members of parliament. 10/10

Many thanks to @John_A_Ridge for reminding me that the United States developed a mission planning system for Tomahawk in the 1990s that can fit inside a van lol.

https://twitter.com/John_A_Ridge/status/1768616994855686234