As of: March 5, 2024, 4:01 p.m
By: Felix Durach
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Split
An “individual application error” was responsible for the wiretapping scandal in the Bundeswehr.
No personal consequences are expected.
Berlin - According to initial investigations, an "individual application error" is responsible for the fact that the conversation of high-ranking Bundeswehr officers about the Taurus weapon system could be intercepted.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) said this on Tuesday (March 5) in Berlin.
Accordingly, there was a data leak in Singapore because a call participant there did not adhere to the requirements for secure dial-in.
He dialed in via a “non-secure data line”, i.e. mobile phone or WLAN.
Defense Minister Pistorius spoke on Tuesday about the causes of the Taurus leaks and possible personnel consequences.
© Michael Kappeler/dpa
Pistorius on Taurus leak: “I won’t sacrifice any of my best officers to Putin’s games”
Pistorius emphasized that he did not want to downplay the incident.
However, the Defense Minister does not know of any partner country that has not experienced such an incident in the last 20 years.
Such a risk always exists.
However, it increases even further if someone does not exercise the necessary care.
Pistorius rejected reports that a possible Russian spy might have taken part in the conversation unnoticed.
The reports “somewhat surprised” him and had no basis.
As a result of the incident, the Ministry of Defense announced “preliminary disciplinary investigations” against all participants in the conversation – including against Air Force Inspector Ingo Gerhartz.
However, the Defense Minister did not expect any personnel consequences.
“Personal consequences are not on the agenda at the moment.” As long as nothing worse comes out, “I will not sacrifice any of my best officers to Putin’s games,” Pistorius said at the press conference on Tuesday.
Wiretapping scandal in the Bundeswehr – Scholz reiterates “no” to Taurus deliveries
On Friday, Russia published a recorded conference call between four high-ranking officers, including Air Force Chief Gerhartz.
In it, they discussed operational scenarios for the German Taurus cruise missile if it were to be delivered to Ukraine.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) has currently ruled out this and justified his rejection by saying that Germany could then be drawn into the war.
On Monday he reiterated his position and said: “I am the Chancellor, and therefore this applies.” Taurus has a range of 500 kilometers and can therefore also hit targets in Moscow from Ukraine.
(fd/with material from dpa)