Germany has become the first European country to deploy the advanced Arrow air defense system. It is designed to intercept medium-range ballistic missiles, such as Russia's "Oreshnik," and will be deployed in three locations by 2030.
Slovak Prime Minister Fico met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Fico asked NATO to strengthen Slovakia's air defense, emphasizing the country's sovereign right to choose the pace and structure of military spending.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Spain will transfer 40 missiles for IRIS/T air defense systems to Ukraine. This is part of a new defense aid package, which is important for Ukraine in winter.
Ukraine can receive up to 150 JAS 39 Gripen E fighters within three years. These aircraft can take off from highways and can carry Meteor, IRIS-T, and Taurus missiles.
Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal emphasized Ukraine's need for additional air defense systems and guided missiles during the meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense. This is due to the continuation of Russia's air terror, which in September launched more than 5,600 attack drones and 180 missiles.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine's successful strikes on Russia's oil and gas infrastructure are the result of intelligence support from allies. He emphasized the importance of data from the US and partners for the effective use of air defense and strike systems.
The US has unblocked the possibility of purchasing not only missiles but also Patriot systems for Ukraine. President Zelenskyy announced that this depends on the funding of the PURL program, which the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway have already joined.
Russia has modified its missiles to bypass Ukrainian air defense, as evidenced by months of devastating airstrikes. Ukrainian forces intercepted 37% of ballistic missiles in July, but this figure dropped to 6% in September.
Ukraine urgently needs 10 Patriot systems and missiles for them to protect its energy infrastructure.
President Zelenskyy met with leaders of German factions to coordinate diplomacy and discuss support. Germany has allocated 9 billion euros in aid to Ukraine for next year.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with German Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil. The parties discussed strengthening air defense, financing drone production, and the PURL program.
Today, August 3, the military personnel of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine celebrate their professional holiday. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, 363 enemy aircraft and 326 helicopters have been destroyed.
The IRIS-T SLM air defense systems are designed to protect against medium-range aerial threats. The contract was signed with Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG as part of the "Sky Shield" initiative.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, discussing massive Russian shelling, increased investment in Ukrainian drone production, and the situation on the battlefield. Germany reaffirmed its support for Ukraine on its path to European integration and called on Slovakia to unblock the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia.
Germany is discussing the purchase of up to 1,000 Leopard 2 tanks and 2,500 GTK Boxer armored vehicles worth 25 billion euros. This is part of a plan to form six NATO brigades and transform the Bundeswehr into the strongest army in Europe.
Germany received a large request for military aid from Ukraine, which includes air defense, protected equipment, and electronic warfare systems. The total cost of the request is one billion euros, but the German government does not confirm its existence.
Ukraine had 225 air defense systems in 1992, and by 2019, only about 60 remained. Partners have transferred about 100 air defense missile systems to Ukraine, but the country has lost 171 systems.
Strengthening Ukraine and weakening Russia through sanctions is the only path to peace to prevent the threat of war in Germany and Europe. Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha emphasized that Russia is intensifying terror, not ending the war.
Ukraine and Germany are working on strengthening Ukrainian air defense and increasing German investments in the production of Ukrainian weapons. German equipment helps rescue people at the sites of Russian strikes.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of strengthening Ukraine's air defense, in particular through the localization of production, and increasing the volume of weapons production.
A contract has been signed with Diehl Defence for the production of IRIS-T systems and missiles for them. Germany will finance the purchase of Ukrainian long-range equipment and medical equipment.
Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities are becoming more intense, Ukrainian air defense is barely holding up. Missiles for SAMP/T have run out, a year and a half without shells for Crotale.
Russia produces more missiles and drones than it uses, media reports.
Ukraine will receive 125 long-range missiles for HIMARS/MARS II and 100 missiles for Patriot SAM systems from Germany, approved by the USA. Ammunition is already on its way to Germany for further transfer.
Germany provides Ukraine with a new military aid package, including missiles for the IRIS-T air defense system, ammunition for Leopard 2, drones, and armored vehicles. Engineering equipment and artillery shells have also been handed over.
Zelenskyy announced preparations for negotiations with the new German Chancellor. He stressed the importance of German support, especially in air defense and financial stability.
April 27 marked the third anniversary of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine "Ramstein". Since its creation, the format has become a platform for providing Ukraine with military assistance worth billions of dollars.
The President of Ukraine addressed the participants of "Ramstein", emphasizing the need for 10 Patriot systems. He emphasized that Russia is the only cause of the war.
Germany has already handed over 4 Patriot systems to Ukraine and cannot provide more at the moment. Allies are looking for additional air defense systems for Ukraine around the world.
Hanno Pevkur expressed concern about a possible deal between the US and Russia by May 9. He called for increased military and financial assistance to Ukraine to prevent an undesirable outcome.
