30 upgraded Leopard 1A5 tanks, 4 IRIS-T, Marder, RCH 155 air defence systems and drones worth $2.95bn - Germany officially reveals new military aid package for Ukraine
Over the weekend, it was reported that Germany was preparing a new military aid package for Ukraine. This was officially confirmed the previous day. Today, 15 May, the contents of the package were officially revealed.
Here's What We Know
Der Spiegel wrote that Germany will transfer Leopard 1 tanks, IRIS-T air defence systems, Marder infantry fighting vehicles, RCH 155 self-propelled artillery, drones and several more support vehicles to Ukraine. Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the military aid package would include tanks, anti-aircraft missiles and combat vehicles.
Leopard 1 tanks will be upgraded to A5 level. The German government has granted the manufacturing plant a licence to upgrade and deliver a total of 178 Leopard 1A5s to Ukraine. German Defence Ministry spokeswoman Nadine Krüger confirmed Der Spiegel's information. The nearly $3bn military aid package will include:
- IRIS-T SLM (x4) + missiles;
- RCH 155 (x18);
- Leopard 1A5 (x30);
- Marder (x20);
- Reconnaissance drones (>200)
- artillery ammunition;
- armoured combat vehicles (>100).
Last year, Germany announced that it would transfer four IRIS-T air defence systems to Ukraine. Two have already been delivered. In this connection, the media reported that in the case of IRIS-T it was about anti-aircraft missile systems, the deliveries of which had been announced. However, Nadine Kruger denied these rumours.
Thus, Ukraine will have a total of eight IRIS-T SLMs, which intercept drones, missiles, helicopters and aircraft up to 40 km away.
