Media: Germany announces massive military shipment to Ukraine, including tanks, howitzers, drones

Germany plans to send substantial shipments of military equipment to Ukraine in the first half of this year including 22 Leopard-1 tanks, 25 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, and an additional IRIS-T SLM/SLS air defence system.

The package will also contain 16 howitzers, two Patriot launchers, and seven Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft units, accompanied by 120,000 rounds of ammunition, Caliber.Az reports, citing N-tv.

In addition, Ukraine is set to receive 3,500 strike drones from the Helsing company, six Sea-King helicopters equipped with armaments, and 250,000 artillery shells. Other types of weaponry are also included in the planned deliveries, according to the television channel.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reportedly blocked a proposed €3 billion military aid package to Ukraine, despite pressure from Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.

The package, intended to include advanced air defence systems, howitzers, and other weaponry, was prepared by the Ministry of Defence but met with opposition from Scholz’s office. Sources suggest the Chancellor’s decision was influenced by a desire to avoid committing the incoming government to major decisions and the belief that current funding levels are sufficient.

The 2025 budget already allocates around €4 billion for military support to Ukraine. Additionally, Scholz pointed to a G7 agreement for Ukraine to receive loans from frozen Russian assets. Critics, including members of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), speculate that Scholz may be withholding new aid to avoid influencing the upcoming Bundestag elections.

By Aghakazim Guliyev