rki.news
Germany has announced a significant new military assistance package for Ukraine, aiming to bolster its defense against continued Russian aggression. Speaking at NATO headquarters in Brussels during the 27th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius revealed plans for an additional €3 billion ($3.4 billion) in military support this year, with a further €8 billion ($9 billion) pledged through 2029.
The expanded package includes a wide array of advanced weaponry: four IRIS-T air defense systems equipped with 300 guided missiles, 120 MANPADS, 300 reconnaissance drones, 25 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, 15 Leopard 1A5 battle tanks, 14 artillery systems, and 100 ground surveillance radars. Additionally, Germany will supply 100,000 rounds of artillery ammunition.
Pistorius emphasized the urgency of continued support, noting that Russia shows no signs of de-escalation. “Putin continues to target Ukraine, causing rising civilian casualties and escalating attacks on infrastructure,” he said. “There’s no indication of a reduction in combat operations.”
He also confirmed that Germany has recently delivered 30 additional Patriot missiles from its own stockpile, further reinforcing Ukraine’s existing Patriot air defense systems.
The Brussels meeting, attended by representatives from around 40 nations—mainly NATO allies—marked the first time the UK and Germany co-chaired the Ukraine Defense Contact Group following the transfer of leadership from the United States to European partners.
The new commitment underscores Germany’s growing role in European-led support for Ukraine and reflects a shift in military responsibility within the NATO alliance.