Germany has handed over a new batch of military equipment and supplies to Ukraine. The transfer includes the IRIS-T air defense system, drones, ammunition, armored vehicles and small arms.
The Bundeswehr Major General announced plans to transfer IRIS-T systems, PzH-2000 and Zuzana 2 self-propelled artillery systems, Leopard 1A5 tanks, and other weapons to Ukraine by the end of 2024. Germany will also provide small arms, ammunition, and medical aid.
Germany responded to an attempted assassination attempt on the executive director of arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, Armin Papperger.
President Zelenskyy thanked the partners for adopting the Declaration in support of Ukraine's air defense system to protect the population, cities and critical infrastructure from Russian air terror.
The United States and allied countries will provide Ukraine with five strategic air defense systems, additional Patriot batteries, Patriot components, and the SAMP-T system.
Ukraine has received additional air defense systems from the United States and intends to double its air defense capabilities over the summer with systems such as the Patriot, Hawk, and IRIS-T, President Zelenskiy announced.
Today, on July 3, servicemen of the anti-aircraft missile troops of the Air Force of Ukraine celebrate their professional holiday. In the first hours of the war, the units of anti-aircraft missile troops skillfully shot down enemy targets and prevented the aggressor from establishing control over the Ukrainian sky.
There is a shortage of missiles for Western air defense systems in Ukraine, as the country does not produce these missiles and is completely dependent on partner support, which requires more support from Western allies to protect critical infrastructure and deter Russian aviation.
Estonia will provide Ukraine with short-range Mistral anti-aircraft missile systems and missiles to repel Russian attacks.
At the moment, Russia's biggest strategic advantage over Ukraine is the advantage in the sky: hundreds of guided airstrikes are carried out daily, and Ukraine's only response is air defense systems.
Former Defense Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov said that three priorities for Ukraine in providing defense are strengthening air defense systems, artillery and necessary ammunition, as well as the supply of electronic warfare equipment to counter Russian drones and artillery.
Germany's initiative to provide Ukraine with air defense systems, including an appeal to allies to provide Patriot anti-aircraft and anti-missile batteries, has not received much support from partner countries due to the high cost and unwillingness to part with much-needed systems.
Deliveries of IRIS-t, Skynex, and Gepard air defense systems from Germany to Ukraine continue, and Germany is working with other countries to ensure that they also transfer their air defense systems to Ukraine.
Another IRIS-T air defense system from Germany will arrive in Ukraine in May, in addition to the two Patriot systems already deployed and the third planned, as Germany continues to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities.
A large-scale fire broke out at Diehl's plant in Berlin, which is involved in the production of air defense systems, but it will not affect the production of IRIS-T air defense systems.
A large-scale fire at the Diehl Metal Applications metallurgical plant in Berlin, which develops air defense systems, has led to the release of toxic smoke. Authorities advise residents to stay indoors and close windows.
Zelenskiy called on allies to provide more advanced air defense systems to protect Ukrainian cities from Russian attacks, saying this would reduce Russia's ability to wage terror and force it to seek peace.
Germany pressures the United States and other NATO allies to provide Ukraine with more Patriot missile defense systems and other equipment to strengthen its air defense against massive Russian air strikes.
Ukraine has the right to self-defense, including strikes against legitimate military targets outside the country, such as russian aircraft that have been firing on Ukrainian cities, as NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has stated.
Germany's Diehl Defense will provide Ukraine with another IRIS-T missile defense system to strengthen its air defense, in addition to the three systems already delivered. The new system is expected to arrive in a few weeks.
President Zelenskyy announced that Germany would provide Ukraine with an additional Patriot air defense system, and that work is underway to obtain an additional IRIS-T system and missiles for existing air defense systems from Germany.
Stoltenberg welcomed Germany's significant military support for Ukraine, including advanced air defense systems, battle tanks and ammunition, and reaffirmed Ukraine's right to self-defense under the UN Charter, while allies provide long-range systems to help Ukraine defend itself.
Zelenskyy said that while Ukraine is gradually strengthening its air defense, it is doing so more slowly than it would like and hopes to receive more systems from partners.
Germany will provide Ukraine with a new military aid package worth 1. 1 billion euros, including howitzers, ammunition, air defense systems, and missiles.
Ukraine expects to receive aircraft and long-range weapons with a radius of more than 300 kilometers in the next military aid packages.
Germany has updated the list of military aid handed over to Ukraine to include armored personnel carriers, demining tanks, and border guard vehicles. In addition, Kyiv received dry rations, artillery shells, and air defense missiles.