After appeals from Kyiv's opposition parties and Germany to increase heavy weapon deliveries, Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that Germany would supply Ukraine with IRIS-T, an air defense system.
Scholz stated that Germany has been "delivering continuously since war began", pointing out more than 15,000,000 rounds of ammunition, 100,000 bombs and more than 5,000 anti-tank mines to Ukraine since Russia invaded on February 24.
Scholz stated to the Bundestag that "most recently, the government decided that we would deliver the most advanced air defense system Germany has in form of the IRIS-T."
Reuters was informed last month by a security source that Germany was looking at supplying IRIS T SLM medium-range, surface-to-air defense systems to Ukraine.
Scholz responded to criticisms in his speech before parliament by saying that his government had responded with a "massive shift of policy in Germany" to the Russian attack. He chose to send heavy weapons into a conflict zone.
BERLIN, June 1, (Reuters) - Germany will supply Ukraine the IRIS-T aircraft defense system, Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced, after being urged by Kyiv and German opposition parties, to increase heavy weapon deliveries.
Scholz stated that Germany has been "delivering continuously since war began", pointing out more than 15,000,000 rounds of ammunition, 100,000 bombs and over 5,000 antitank mines to Ukraine since Russia invaded on February 24.
Scholz stated to the Bundestag that "most recently, the government decided that we would deliver the most advanced air defense system Germany has in form of the IRIS-T."
Reuters was informed last month by a security source that Germany was looking at supplying IRIS T SLM medium-range surface to air defense systems to Ukraine. Continue reading
Scholz responded to criticisms in his speech before parliament by saying that his government had responded with a "massive shift of policy in Germany" to the Russian attack. He chose to send heavy weapons into a conflict zone.
In recent weeks, Ukraine's request for heavy weapons increased after Moscow used its most powerful firepower against the country's eastern side after it failed to seize Kyiv.
Scholz stated that talks are ongoing with Germany's partners regarding ways to further arm Ukraine in the face of a Russian attack.
On Tuesday, the chancellor declared that Germany would send infantry fighting vehicles to Greece (IFV), so that Athens can transfer Soviet-style weapons to Ukraine.
