Large military support to Ukraine by Germany
Germany has emerged as one of Ukraine’s largest military supporters in the EU, particularly after the Russian invasion in 2022. Its contributions span a wide range of advanced weapon systems, ammunition, armored vehicles, and training. Here is an elaborate and categorized overview of the types of weapons and military aid Germany has provided to Ukraine as of 2024–2025:
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1. Air Defense Systems
a. IRIS-T SLM and SLS
Germany has provided multiple IRIS-T SLM (Surface-Launched Medium-range) air defense systems.
These are radar-guided and extremely effective against drones, aircraft, and cruise missiles.
Capable of hitting targets at 40 km range and 20 km altitude.
b. Patriot Missile System
Germany provided one full Patriot air defense system (2023) and more missiles in 2024.
Capable of intercepting aircraft, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles at long range.
Played a critical role in defending Ukrainian cities like Kyiv from missile barrages.
c. Gepard Anti-Aircraft Tanks
More than 50 Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns were delivered.
Used successfully against drones (especially Iranian Shahed drones).
Equipped with 35mm twin autocannons.
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2. Armored Vehicles and Tanks
a. Leopard 2A6 Main Battle Tanks
Germany delivered 18 Leopard 2A6 tanks in 2023–24.
These are advanced NATO-standard tanks with high protection and firepower.
Capable of firing modern 120mm rounds and with superior thermal sights.
b. Marder Infantry Fighting Vehicles
Over 100 Marder IFVs delivered by 2024.
Armed with a 20mm autocannon and ATGM launchers.
Used to transport infantry while providing covering fire.
c. Fennek Reconnaissance Vehicles
Lightly armored, fast and equipped with surveillance gear.
Germany supplied several of these for battlefield reconnaissance.
d. Dingo Armored Vehicles
Supplied over 100 Dingo MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicles.
Used for troop transport in high-risk areas.
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3. Artillery Systems
a. PzH 2000 Self-Propelled Howitzers
Germany provided at least 22 Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH 2000) units.
One of the most advanced 155mm howitzers globally.
High rate of fire, precision-guided munitions, and range up to 40–50 km.
b. Rocket Launchers (MARS II)
Germany supplied MARS II MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket Systems).
German variant of the American M270.
Can fire GPS-guided rockets (GMLRS) up to 80 km.
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4. Anti-Tank and Infantry Weapons
a. MATADOR Anti-Tank Rockets
Short-range disposable anti-tank weapons.
Effective in urban warfare and against light armor.
Thousands delivered in early 2022 and continued into 2024.
b. Panzerfaust 3
Advanced shoulder-fired anti-tank launcher.
Designed to penetrate modern tank armor.
c. Milan and RGW-90
Germany provided Milan wire-guided anti-tank missiles and RGW-90 recoilless rifles.
Used by infantry against armored threats.
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5. Small Arms and Ammunition
MG3 and MG5 machine guns.
G36 assault rifles.
Millions of rounds of small arms ammunition.
Grenades, mines, mortars.
Surveillance drones and counter-drone systems.
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6. Engineering and Logistics Equipment
Bridge-laying tanks (Biber) for crossing rivers.
Mine-clearing systems (e.g., Wisent 1 and Dachs armored engineering vehicles).
Military trucks and tankers.
Mobile field hospitals and tents.
Generators and repair workshops.
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7. Electronic Warfare and Drones
a. Reconnaissance Drones
Germany has supplied drones for tactical surveillance.
Includes Vector, Luna NG, and RQ-35 Heidrun systems.
b. Electronic Warfare
Systems to jam or detect enemy drones and radio frequencies.
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8. Training and Maintenance Support
Germany trains Ukrainian tank and artillery crews on German soil.
Offers repair and maintenance services through a military support hub in Poland and Lithuania.
Set up partnerships with Rheinmetall and other German defense firms to possibly establish production lines in Ukraine.
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9. Future Aid Plans (2024–2025)
Germany has pledged over €7 billion in military aid for 2024, the largest in Europe.
Plans include:
Additional IRIS-T systems and Patriots.
More PzH 2000 artillery and precision ammunition.
Upgraded air defense and radar units.
Delivery of electronic warfare systems and further armored vehicle support.
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Conclusion
Germany’s military assistance to Ukraine has evolved from initially sending helmets and field gear in early 2022 to becoming a top-tier supplier of advanced Western military hardware by 2024–25. Its contribution includes:
Strategic air defense (Patriot, IRIS-T),
Main battle tanks (Leopard 2),
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