Germany will transfer a large number of AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles to Ukraine in 2026. These missiles will be supplied from the Bundeswehr stocks – so there is no need to wait for production.
The corresponding statement was made by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. However, the minister did not provide information on the volume of missile deliveries, the corresponding cost of delivery or missile modifications – this is in line with the German government's policy of concealing information on the content and volume of military assistance to Ukraine.
Read more: The Missile Used By Ukrainian Magura Drone For Historic Su-30 Downing Was the AIM-9 Sidewinder
Defense Express notes that this is a good opportunity for Ukraine to replenish its stock of missiles of this type. These missiles are used on F-16 fighters, various types of air defense systems, such as NASAMS and FrankenSAM, and even Magura V7 unmanned surface vehicles.
This is a significant strengthening of Ukraine's air defense, which is very important in today's conditions, when all available means are actively used to repel mass attacks by russian drones.
This is not the first time that Germany has supplied these missiles as part of military aid. In particular, last year an unknown number of these missiles of the German modification AIM-9L/I-1, which was manufactured by the local Diehl Defence and had an improved guidance system, were transferred.
It should be noted that despite their considerable age, these missiles can still be quite effective in destroying russian drones and cruise missiles. Given that these missiles were likely to be decommissioned by now, it may be beneficial for Germany to transfer these missiles to Ukraine instead of spending money on their disposal.
There is a high probability that new batches of missiles for Ukraine from Germany will also include the above-mentioned modification of AIM-9 missiles.
During the russia-Ukraine war, AIM-9 missiles appeared in the Ukrainian arsenal both in the old modifications AIM-9L and AIM-9M, as well as in the newest versions AIM-9X. Thus, any supplies will be used to support the capabilities of Ukraine's air defense.
Read more: Here's Why Magura V7 Uses the Priciest AIM-9X Missile, Not Ukrainian R-73 or Cheaper AIM-9M
