Germany boosts arms support for Ukraine with drones and cannons
Germany is intensifying its military support for Ukraine by supplying modern weapon systems such as the Zuzana 2 large-calibre cannons and modern Smart HF-1 drones.
The latest update, published this week, indicates that Germany has significantly increased the pace of arms deliveries to Ukraine. The report covers the transfers that took place between 17th March and 18th April.
Ukraine has already received 12 units over the course of the year. Four recently delivered vehicles came from December's production. This suggests that the production process for the equipment takes about four months.
Modern defence systems
It is worth noting that in the March update of Germany's assistance, the delivery of four self-propelled Zuzana 2 howitzers was already mentioned. While it may seem like 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 range 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 production of shells, 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.
