Germany will provide Ukraine with additional guided missiles for the Iris-T air defense systems in the shortest possible time to protect against russian attacks.
The announcement was made by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius following the latest meeting of the Contact Group in the Ramstein format.
Read more: Germany Announces New Deliveries of the IRIS-T and Gepard Systems
According to Pistorius, these missiles were initially designated for the Bundeswehr but are now being redirected straight from production to Ukraine.
"We are prioritizing deliveries to Ukraine before replenishing our own stockpiles," Pistorius stated.
In particular, he noted that Ukraine is expected to receive six IRIS-T surface-to-air missile systems this year, which have already been announced. These will include three IRIS-T SLS short-range systems and three IRIS-T SLM medium-range systems.
In 2025, Ukraine is expected to receive 13 more Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns. It is also worth noting that the German government is financing the purchase of a total of 480,000 shells for them. The most recent order for 180,000 high-explosive incendiary HEI-T shells was placed just recently.
Pistorius also mentioned that at the end of 2024, thanks to a circular exchange with Croatia, 30 tanks and 30 infantry fighting vehicles were transferred to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. These are likely M-84 tanks and M-80A infantry fighting vehicles – the Yugoslavian version of the T-72 and a vehicle resembling the BMP-2. In exchange, Zagreb is expected to receive a discount for the purchase of 50 Leopard 2A8 tanks. Additionally, in 2025, deliveries of 20 Marder infantry fighting vehicles and 22 Leopard 1A5 tanks from German industry are anticipated.
The first modern 155-mm automated self-propelled howitzers (RCH-155) will also be delivered. The total number of these units, which has already been ordered by the German government, has increased to 54, up from the previously known 36 systems. It is worth noting that the delivery of the RCH-155 in 2025 was planned back in 2022, when the German government announced the order in December, and at that time, only 18 units were mentioned.
Let us remind you that since 2022, Germany has delivered a significant amount of weapons and military equipment to Ukraine, including over 100 tanks, more than 200 infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers, and hundreds of armored vehicles. Additionally, Germany has provided a substantial number of air defense systems, including three Patriot systems and 11 IRIS-T systems.
Read more: What's Included in the New $500 Million U.S. Aid Package, and How Much Funding Remains?
