Germany will strengthen Ukraine’s air defense system by providing five Patriot surface-to-air missile systems, ammunition for Gepard anti-aircraft guns, and will also finance the production of Ukrainian long-range drones. This was stated by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, according to Ukrinform.
“I agreed with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a recent trip to washington that Germany will contribute to the rapid delivery of five critically needed Patriot systems”, - Pistorius said, according to Ukrinform.
According to him, partners are already coordinating actions for the swift implementation of this initiative. The minister also thanked NATO allies — Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway — for their substantial support.
“Just a few weeks after the launch of the initiative, it’s already clear that we can significantly surpass last year’s achievements”, - noted the head of Germany’s defense ministry.
In addition, Germany, together with the United Kingdom, will supply Ukraine with 220,000 rounds of 35mm ammunition for Gepard anti-aircraft systems. These deliveries will be financed by Germany and carried out as quickly as possible.
Pistorius also announced funding for mass purchases of Ukrainian long-range drones: “These drones have already proven effective on the battlefield. They destroy russian aircraft, drones, and missiles on the ground — long before they become a threat to Ukrainian cities and infrastructure”.
The first batches funded by Germany will be handed over to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the coming days and will be put to use immediately. Germany also intends to strengthen this support with additional investments and organize close technical cooperation between german and Ukrainian defense industries.
“This is a clear signal to putin: prolonging the war will become increasingly costly. Ukraine is successfully weakening the kremlin’s war machine every day — and we must actively support Ukrainians in this”, - emphasized Pistorius.
He added that putin is mistaken if he believes he can win in the long term.
“We must stop his war machine through joint efforts”, - the minister concluded.