The federal government has decided to deliver the IRIS-T air defense system to Ukraine. This was announced by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz this morning in a general debate in the Bundestag. Scholz described the system as “the most modern air defense system that Germany has.” This would enable Ukraine to protect an entire city from Russian air attacks.
In addition, last week a contract was signed between Ukraine and the industry – which is likely to be Kraus-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) – for the delivery of Gepard anti-aircraft tanks. According to the Chancellor, the three-week training course for the Ukrainians on the weapon system should start shortly. Scholz emphasized that Ukraine wanted the cheetahs to be delivered. The Chancellor emphasized that it is not true that Ukraine had no interest in the weapon system, as some have claimed. The anti-aircraft tanks are to be supplied with an initial supply of 59,000 rounds of ammunition. This is enough for 1,200 combat operations, said Scholz. However, it is unclear how much ammunition will actually be available for use after the Ukrainians have been trained.
Scholz also announced that in addition to the seven German Panzerhaubitz 2000, Ukraine will get a radar for reconnaissance of enemy artillery fire. This could be the COBRA artillery detection radar, which is used by the Bundeswehr. He also noted that the Ukrainians' training on the 12 self-propelled howitzers, five of which will come from the Netherlands, will be completed in a few days.
The Chancellor also addressed what Germany has delivered to Ukraine so far. Anti-aircraft missiles, anti-tank missiles, more than 15 million rounds of ammunition, 100,000 hand grenades, over 5,000 anti-tank mines, explosives, machine guns, medical supplies, communications technology and anti-drone defenses were delivered. Together with Denmark, 54 modernized troop carriers are being made available for Ukraine. Scholz also referred to the treatment of 168 Ukrainian wounded in Germany and the ring exchange supported by Germany with the Czech Republic and another planned one with Greece.
According to Scholz, Greece will hand over infantry fighting vehicles from former NVA stocks to Ukraine and receive German infantry fighting vehicles in return. In addition, Germany will contribute to the US-announced delivery of rocket artillery to the Ukrainian armed forces.
Editorial staff / oh
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