War in Ukraine
New German weapons package for Kyiv – strengthening anti-aircraft defense
Shortly before Christmas, Ukraine receives a large arms package from Germany. In addition to revamped tanks, there are also urgently needed modern anti-aircraft systems.
Shortly before Christmas, Ukraine received a new, extensive weapons package from Germany. This includes 15 Leopard 1 A5 main battle tanks, two Gepard anti-aircraft tanks, a self-propelled howitzer 2000 as well as two Iris-T anti-aircraft systems and two Patriot launch bases, as the Ukrainian Defense Ministry and the Federal Government announced in Berlin.
In view of Russia’s recently increased drone and missile attacks against Ukraine, air defense systems in particular are of great importance for Kiev.
Significantly more ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft tank
According to Berlin, delivery of the additional Iris-T systems had already been promised in 2023. Germany is now supplying Ukraine with an additional 65,000 rounds of anti-aircraft tank ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft tanks as well as additional ammunition for the Iris-T system. Berlin also supplies AIM-9L/I Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, which enable fighter aircraft to attack targets in the air.
In addition to the heavy weapons, the new package from Germany also includes, according to a list from the federal government, trucks, drones, other radar systems and ammunition.
Just a few days ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj thanked Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) for the delivery of an Iris-T anti-aircraft system. According to the Ukrainian statement, this was the sixth anti-aircraft system from a package of 17 Iris-T units that Germany had ordered for Ukraine.
Germany is Kiev’s most important supporter behind the USA
According to the ministry, Germany now has a total of around 28 billion euros in military aid available to support Ukraine or has made it available for the coming years. Part of the money was used to finance arms deliveries to industry, the rest (around 5.2 billion euros) comes from direct deliveries from the Bundeswehr’s stocks.
After the United States, Germany is the second largest supporter of Ukraine with weapons and other forms of aid. Ukraine has been defending itself against a war of aggression by Russia for almost three years.
dpa
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
