Berlin Boosts Ukraine’s Defense with Advanced IRIS-T System and New Military Supplies

On August 19, Germany announced a new military aid package for Ukraine. According to a statement from the German government, this package includes various military components, including an IRIS-T air defense system and other resources.

Key elements of the new aid package are:

- One IRIS-T SLS surface-to-air missile system.

- 14,000 155mm artillery shells.

- 10 unmanned surface vehicles.

- 26 VECTOR reconnaissance drones with spare parts.

- Materials for explosive ordnance disposal.

- 6 high-mobility engineering excavators.

- One armored recovery vehicle, Bergepanzer 2, with spare parts.

- 55,000 first aid kits.

- 700 assault rifles MK 556.

- 10 precision rifles HLR 338 with ammunition.

- 50 rifles CR 308.

This aid package is part of Germany’s ongoing commitment to support Ukraine in its defense efforts. Previously, on July 29, Germany, in collaboration with Denmark, provided Ukraine with 14 Leopard 1 A5 tanks.

Additionally, it has been noted that over 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers have received military training in Germany. For 2024, Germany has allocated approximately €7.1 billion for military aid to Ukraine, including contributions to the European Peace Facility (EPF) of the EU.

According to a statement from German Defense Ministry spokesperson Arno Kollatz, all weapons provided to Ukraine become its property upon transfer, and Kyiv has the authority to use them as needed. German Finance Minister Christian Lindner emphasized that the transfer of weapons is carried out under Ukraine’s responsibility as it exercises its right to self-defense.

On August 12, 2024, German Ministry of Defense spokesperson Arne Collatz affirmed that weapons provided by Germany to Ukraine, once transferred, become Ukrainian property and can be used as Ukraine deems necessary. Collatz stated that the legality of Ukrainian actions on Russian territory, such as in the Kursk region, is not questioned by Germany, as international law allows for self-defense operations against an aggressor. He emphasized that there are no restrictions on the use of the provided weapons.