Germany to Supply Ukraine with Four New IRIS-T Missile Defence Systems

Germany will supply Ukraine with four additional IRIS-T air defense systems of various ranges by the end of the year. In addition, the German government will deliver ten Gepard anti-aircraft tanks, 16 self-propelled howitzers, ten Leopard main battle tanks, combat drones, and several thousand rounds of artillery and tank ammunition, according to Wolfgang Büchner, deputy spokesperson for the German government.

Büchner confirmed Germany’s commitment to continuing military aid to Ukraine, stating that the German government will maintain support “for as long as necessary,” despite reports of possible reductions in aid next year.

Earlier, the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung reported potential cuts to military aid to Ukraine by half starting next year and by tenfold by 2027. This news prompted criticism from both conservative opposition and the ruling coalition. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz assured that Germany will remain one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters in Europe and will continue to back it through a €50 billion credit financed by frozen Russian assets.

Germany also plans to provide Ukraine with over 20 self-propelled howitzers, 20 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, 37 Leopard main battle tanks, five Gepard anti-aircraft tanks, six additional IRIS-T systems, and several thousand rounds of artillery and tank ammunition next year.

Berlin emphasizes that support for Ukraine remains a priority.

Earlier, On August 19, Germany announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, including one IRIS-T SLS air defense system, 14,000 artillery shells, 10 unmanned surface vehicles, 26 VECTOR drones, and other military resources.