Germany has ordered 17 IRIS-T air defence systems for Ukraine, which should supplement the previous seven batteries.
This was announced by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Bloomberg reports.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Germany has ordered 22 more IRIS-T systems from Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG. 22 air defence systems are intended for the Bundeswehr, and 17 are for Ukraine.
The chancellor noted that thanks to the seven IRIS-T batteries, Ukraine has shot down more than 250 Russian missiles and drones.
Scholz added that four systems will be sent by the end of this year, and the rest - starting next year
"This shows that German support for Ukraine is not weakening. We have planned in advance and secured contracts and funding in a timely manner so that Ukraine can continue to rely on us in the future," Scholz added.
A German government official also told Bloomberg on condition of anonymity that Ukraine will receive 24 IRIS-T systems from Germany by 2026 - 12 medium-range and 12 short-range systems.