Berlin: Ukraine has received an extensive new weapons package from Germany, the Defence Ministry in Kiev said on Monday.
The delivery, also confirmed by the German government, includes 15 Leopard 1 A5 battle tanks, two Gepard anti-aircraft tanks, a Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzer, two Iris-T anti-aircraft systems and two Patriot missile launchers.
The anti-aircraft systems are particularly important for Kiev to combat Russia’s drone and missile attacks, which have intensified in recent weeks.
The German government says the delivery of the additional Iris-T systems had been promised in 2023.
Germany has now given Ukraine an additional 65,000 rounds of ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft tanks, as well as further ammunition for the Iris-T system.
In addition, Berlin has supplied AIM-9L/I Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, which enable fighter aircraft to attack targets in the air.
In addition to heavy weapons the new German package also includes trucks, drones, radar systems and ammunition. (DPA)