Anti-aircraft defense, tanks, ammunition, spare parts: Ukraine will receive a new German weapons package worth half a billion euros for its defense against Russia. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that some of the material is about to be delivered.
“We will continue to support you in this defensive struggle,” Pistorius said as he presented the package during a meeting with his counterpart Rustem Umyerov in the southern Ukrainian port city of Odessa.
It was Pistorius’ third visit to Ukraine since Russia’s war of aggression began in February 2022. The trip was kept secret for security reasons until departure from Odessa in view of the current Russian offensive with increased air strikes.
Ukraine is in trouble
Russia has been increasing its airstrikes on Ukraine for months. So far, countless people have lost their lives and important infrastructure in the country has been destroyed.
The new weapons package includes a large number of Iris-T SLM medium-range anti-aircraft missiles and a smaller number of shorter-range SLS missiles, Pistorius said. This also includes drones for reconnaissance and combat in the Black Sea, as well as urgently needed spare parts such as replacement tubes for artillery systems and replacement engines for Leopard battle tanks. One million rounds of small arms ammunition will also be supplied.
Long-term commitments from Berlin
The delivery of 18 new wheeled howitzers of the latest design will follow from 2025. Germany will also finance industrial training for Ukrainian technicians. The package also includes means for interference-free satellite communications.
Under previous commitments, additional Leopard A1 and Leopard II A4 main battle tanks would be delivered from Spain this year. A total of 19 tanks will be made available to Ukraine from Spain, and Germany will help restore, maintain and repair them – with one million euros for each tank.
In addition, Germany will provide additional Marder infantry fighting vehicles, armored fighting vehicles, anti-aircraft tanks and equipment for electronic warfare command and control capabilities. Ukraine will also receive several hundred urgently needed sniper rifles.
There is no end to the war in sight
Pistorius said he was listing the details to “underline that we are currently not just delivering what is available.” Instead, special emphasis was placed on sustainability by placing orders that would only become reality in the coming years. This is happening “because we believe it is important to take precautions now to ensure that this war lasts longer and that we want and will continue to support.”
Source: Krone
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