Defence Minister: Germany to supply Ukraine with long-range weapons in coming months

Ukrainian armed forces are expected to receive their first long-range combat systems within the coming months as part of a German-Ukrainian defence project.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced the development upon arriving for a meeting of the Ukraine contact group in Brussels, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

He highlighted that a significant quantity of long-range weaponry could be produced before the end of the year, signalling a potential boost to Ukraine’s military capabilities soon.

On May 28, Germany pledged around €5 billion in additional military support to Ukraine, Pistorius announced during a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov in Berlin. This new package aims to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities amid an escalation in Russian drone attacks, described by Kyiv officials as the most intense since the war began.

Key elements include direct German funding for the domestic production of long-range weapons in Ukraine, leveraging local technical expertise and manufacturing capacity. The first weapons systems under this initiative are expected to be operational within weeks, requiring no extra training.

Germany will also continue delivering munitions in 2025, including artillery rounds, air defence ammunition, and various land and handheld weapons. A contract signed between Ukraine and German defence firm Diehl covers the supply of air defence systems and ammunition to counter ongoing attacks on civilian and infrastructure targets.

The support package extends to building maintenance and repair facilities in Ukraine, managed through a joint venture between German and Ukrainian defence companies, enhancing the sustainability of Ukrainian military operations. Funding also secures satellite communications and medical equipment sourced from Ukrainian suppliers.

By Aghakazim Guliyev