Germany has escalated its military support to Ukraine, delivering a diverse array of equipment that includes advanced air defense systems, tanks, and other crucial supplies. In the face of increased Russian air strikes, Berlin has supplied another IRIS-T air defense system to Ukraine, designed to defend against a variety of airborne threats.
Berlin’s latest delivery, as stated by the German government on May 22, encompasses 10 Leopard 1 A5 tanks—a joint venture with Denmark—ammunition for both Leopard 1 and 2 tanks, reconnaissance drones, and a substantial amount of small arms ammunition. These shipments are a testament to Germany’s growing role as Ukraine’s second-largest military donor after the United States.
Despite the hesitance shown by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to supply some critical capabilities, namely the Taurus long-range missiles, the extensive list of the latest tranche speaks to the commitment towards Ukraine’s defense. It includes, among other equipment, four Wisent 1 demining tanks, 1.8 million rounds of small arms ammunition, a Dachs armored engineer vehicle, a Beaver bridge-laying tank, and a Bergepanzer 2 armored recovery vehicle with spare parts.
Moreover, as confirmed by Germany’s Defense Ministry on May 25, another combined IRIS-T SLM and IRIS-T SLS fire unit was delivered to Ukraine, with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius describing it as a “highly modern and well-proven medium and short-range air defense system.” Together with the recently delivered Patriot system, Germany is thus “strengthening Ukraine’s air defense in its defensive battle against Russia’s brutal war of aggression, which violates international law,” Pistorius said.
The importance of these deliveries lies in the ongoing battle, as reported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Ukrainian forces had achieved “combat control”. The addition of advanced defense systems aims to shield Ukrainian cities and military personnel from increasingly frequent air assaults that target civilian and military infrastructure.
With a future military aid budget plan to further increase by 3.8 billion euros ($4.13 billion) in 2024, Germany is signaling a readiness to provide sustained support to Ukraine.
Sending air defense systems to Ukraine to help protect it from Russian cruise missiles, rockets, and drones is an absolute priority,” stated Germany’s Foreign Minister during a visit to a local power plant in Kyiv that was severely damaged by recent attacks. Annalena Baerbock mentioned a global initiative by Germany to support Ukraine with additional air defense systems, raising close to $1.09 billion. However, she emphasized the necessity for more support during a news conference alongside Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
Relevant articles:
– Germany delivers Leopard 1 tanks, drones, ammunition, other aid to Ukraine, kyivindependent.com, 05/25/2024
– Ukraine updates: Germany supplies another air defense system – DW – 05, DW (English), 05/25/2024
– Total bilateral aid to Ukraine by donor & type 2024, Statista, 05/24/2024
– Germany promises air defense for Ukraine, Arkansas Online, 05/22/2024
– US provides Ukraine with $275 million military aid package – full list, ЛИГАБизнесИнформ, 05/24/2024
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