German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has confirmed the order for 17 IRIS-T air defense systems for Ukraine.
He informed about this on September 4, speaking at the air force base, Bloomberg reports.
Thus, it is indicated that Scholz accepted the delivery of modern air defense systems for the German Armed Forces and confirmed an order for five more, as well as 17 more units for Ukraine to help repel russian attacks.
Scholz said the Bundeswehr's purchase of six IRIS-Ts manufactured by Diehl Defense GmbH & Co. KG, will play a key role in strengthening the European Sky Shield initiative.
According to Scholtz, the IRIS-T intended for Ukraine will complement the 7 already delivered, which helped shoot down more than 250 russian missiles, drones and unmanned aerial vehicles and save many lives. Four of them will be shipped by the end of this year, and the rest by next year, he promised.
"This shows that German support for Ukraine does not stop. We planned everything in advance and secured contracts and financing in time so that Ukraine can continue to fully rely on us. And it also shows that our industry is highly efficient - when it has the necessary security planning," Scholz said.
The publication noted that Germany is second only to the U.S. in terms of aid to Ukraine in repelling russian aggression - the country has provided and pledged material aid in the amount of about EUR 28 billion.
Also, Bloomberg, citing government officials, informed that by 2026, Ukraine will receive 24 IRIS-T systems from Germany - 12 medium-range and 12 short-range.
The six IRIS-Ts will cost the Bundeswehr about EUR 950 million, added the official, who asked not to be named to discuss confidential planning.
We will remind, on September 1, Germany announced the transfer of a new package of military aid to Ukraine, which included an IRIS-T SLS air defense system.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, on August 30, a powerful explosion occurred at the defense enterprise Diehl Defense, which is the manufacturer of the IRIS-T, in Germany. Two men were seriously injured. Rescue helicopters, the police and the fire brigade were deployed.
Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock accused russian dictator vladimir putin of preparing for a new "cold war" against Ukraine.
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