Germany boosts Ukraine support with advanced weapons and drones
Germany is intensifying its military support for Ukraine by supplying modern weapon systems such as the Zuzana 2 large-calibre cannons and state-of-the-art Smart HF-1 drones.
The most recent update, released this week, shows that Germany has significantly accelerated the pace of arms deliveries to Ukraine. The report covers the transfers that took place between March 17th and April 18th.
Ukraine has already received 12 units over the course of the year. Four of the recently delivered vehicles were produced in December. This suggests that the production process for this equipment takes about four months.
Modern defence systems
It is noteworthy that in the March update of Germany's assistance, the delivery of four self-propelled Zuzana 2 howitzers was already mentioned. While this may appear to reflect rapid action, a likely explanation is the simultaneous production of several units and their delivery in batches, which significantly speeds up the delivery pace.
According to the Defence Express portal, in addition to these key systems, the updated aid package includes a wide array of essential elements:
- Four IRIS-T air defence systems (SLM/SLS variants) along with missiles
- Deliveries of Patriot missiles
- 120 portable Igla anti-aircraft missile systems
- 316 Vector drones
- 30 RQ-35 Heidrun drones
- 1,100 ground surveillance radars
While Germany debates the political and military value of transferring Taurus missiles, Rheinmetall is focusing on ammunition by expanding shell production, including in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom is considering establishing a joint weapons production centre with Ukraine, signalling Europe's growing interest in deeper industrial cooperation in defence.
