German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed this substantial aid, which also includes a variety of other critical military hardware.
The forthcoming aid package is extensive, featuring six Sea King Mk41 military helicopters – marking the first time Germany has supplied Ukraine with military helicopters previously used by the Bundeswehr. Additionally, the package comprises IRIS-T anti-aircraft missile systems, Gepard anti-aircraft self-propelled guns, armored personnel carriers, engineering tanks, bridge-laying tanks, various types of drones, and other military equipment, weapons, ammunition, and supplies.
The Leopard 1 A5 tanks, which were first introduced to the Armed Forces in spring 2023, represent a significant upgrade for Ukraine's military. Although their exact number in the current arsenal is unclear, some reports from summer 2023 suggested a possible provision of up to 130 Leopard 1 tanks in various versions, including A5/A5DK/A4 or even A3.
Despite being considered obsolete, with the Bundeswehr first commissioning them in the early 1960s and ceasing production in 1984, the Leopard 1 tanks have undergone significant upgrades. The Leopard 1 A5 variant, developed in the mid-1980s, features improved frontal armor and a new fire control system. Its power is derived from a 10-cylinder MTU MB 838 CaM 500 engine.
Moreover, the Leopard 1A5DK tanks, a Danish variant developed in the 1990s and replaced by Leopard 2A5-DK tanks in 2005, will also be part of the aid to Ukraine. These tanks are distinguished by their original turret with additional armor and are powered by an 830 hp MTU MB 838 CaM 500 engine.
This significant military support from Germany is a crucial step in enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities against ongoing aggression and underscores Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
