The German government announced a significant new military aid package for Ukraine on 19 September 2023. This comprehensive support includes a wide range of equipment, from tanks and air defense systems to drones and ammunition, aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities, the press release says.
Germany has been the second largest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the US in terms of the overall quantity of equipment and material provided. However, Germany’s budget discussions for next year have raised doubts about whether it will maintain this crucial role.
The package is headlined by the delivery of 22 Leopard 1A5 tanks and 3 Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns. These heavy weapons are complemented by a variety of other military equipment and vehicles:
- 22 Leopard 1A5 tanks
- 3 Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns
- 22 mine-protected vehicles (MRAP)
- 2 TRML-4D radars
- 5 Bandvagn 206 all-terrain vehicles
- 8 Zetros fuel trucks
- 6 WISENT 1 demining vehicles
- 30 Vector UAVs
- 20 RQ-35 UAVs
- 20 Sonobot 5 surface drones
- 12 Songbird UAVs
- 6 Hornet XR UAVs
- 2 border protection vehicles
- Demining equipment
- 2 AMPS helicopter self-protection systems
- 1 million small arms ammunition rounds
- 10 MG3 machine guns
- 112 transport vehicles (trucks, etc.)
- 1 Warthog all-terrain vehicle
- 3 Biber bridge-laying tanks
- 1 DACHS armored engineering vehicle
- 16 ground surveillance radars
- 61,000 155mm ammunition rounds
On 17 September 2024, it was announced that Germany would allocate an additional 100 million euros to Ukraine to help the country through the coming winter.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has expressed hope for the allocation of additional funds for weapons deliveries to Ukraine. Negotiations are underway to increase the 2024 budget from 7.5 billion euros, with Pistorius stating, “Then we are talking about a significant amount in the hundreds of millions of euros.”
The defense ministry is reportedly aiming for nearly half a billion euros in additional funding. This money would be used to order urgent spare parts packages crucial for the operation of some weapon systems already delivered from Germany to the frontlines in Ukraine.
At the same time, the current draft German budget for 2025 nearly halves military aid for Ukraine, with discussions underway to increase the sum and maintain the current level of support.
Related:
- New Council of Europe chief says Ukraine support is “number one priority”
- EU defense chief warns of potential Russian confrontation within decade
- ISW: Ukrainian drone attack on Russian ammo depot in Tver proves value of long-range strikes
- Zelenskyy says Ukraine’s “Victory Plan” ready, will present it to Biden, Trump, Harris next week
