German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, who arrived in Brussels for a meeting of the Contact Group on Defence of Ukraine, announced new military aid for Kyiv, Interfax-Ukraine reports.
"I emphasise that we will provide four more IRIS-T systems, including missiles. So, this is the best message of the day, accompanied by the information that we have also provided 30 more missiles for Patriot systems," he said while speaking to journalists before the start of the Ramstein meeting.
In particular, the assistance includes:
- 4 additional IRIS-T systems plus 300 guided missiles;
- 120 man-portable air defence systems;
- 300 reconnaissance drones;
- 25 more Marder infantry fighting vehicles;
- 15 Leopard tanks;
- 14 artillery systems;
- 100 ground surveillance radars;
- 100,000 more artillery rounds of ammunition, etc.
"Our reliable support continues. Yesterday I was able to announce that over the last few days we have been able to provide 30 additional Patriot guided missiles from our own stockpile to complement the Patriot systems we have already delivered to Ukraine," Pistorius said.
He also highlighted the importance of coalitions of forces and capabilities, in which partners help Ukraine ‘build capabilities both now and for the post-war period’.
"Germany has now formed the ninth coalition, joined by ten partners to date, which deals with the very important and increasingly important area of electronic warfare. This includes, for example, the protection and strengthening of our own communications, reconnaissance and disruption of enemy communications and, last but not least, defence against drones," the minister said.