The German Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius announced the recent arms supplies to Ukraine and plans for further supplies in 2025. He made this statement during his briefing at the 25th meeting in the "Ramstein" format.
Specifically, he mentioned that this year Ukraine is set to receive six IRIS-T air defense missile systems, which have already been announced. This will include three IRIS-T SLS short-range systems and three IRIS-T SLM medium-range systems. Additionally, these systems will come with extra missiles that were initially contracted for the Bundeswehr.
Furthermore, in 2025, Ukraine is expected to receive another 13 Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft systems. It is also worth noting that the German government is financing the procurement of a total of 480,000 shells for them. The latest order for 180,000 HEI-T high-explosive incendiary shells was placed just a few days ago.
Pistorius also noted that at the end of 2024, thanks to a circular exchange with Croatia, 30 tanks and 30 infantry fighting vehicles were transferred to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This likely refers to the M-84 tanks and M-80A infantry fighting vehicles - the Yugoslav version of the T-72 and a vehicle that somewhat resembles the BMP-2. In return, Zagreb is expected to receive a discount on the purchase of 50 Leopard 2A8 tanks through the circular exchange. Additionally, in 2025, deliveries of 20 Marder infantry fighting vehicles and 22 Leopard 1A5 tanks from the German industry are anticipated.
The first new automated 155-mm self-propelled howitzers RCH-155 will also be delivered. The total number ordered by the German government has increased to 54 units, up from the previously known order of just 36 systems. It is important to note that the transfer of RCH-155 was initially planned for 2025 back in 2022, when the German government announced this order in December, which then only included 18 units.
Let us remind you that Germany has supplied a significant amount of weapons and military equipment to Ukraine since 2022, including over 100 tanks, more than 200 infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers, and hundreds of armored vehicles. Moreover, they have provided a substantial number of air defense systems, including three Patriot and 11 IRIS-T systems.