The German government will provide more sophisticated weapons for Ukraine, Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor of Germany told Parliament on Wednesday. He stated that the government had decided to send IRIS-T air defence systems to Ukraine, among other things.
They were initially an air-launched European replacement to the AIM-9 Sidewinder, which was made in America. Also, there is a ground-launched radar guided variant known as IRIS-T SL. The system is available in two versions: one for medium-range engagement and the other for short range.
Mid-May saw reports that Germany was looking at sending the systems to Ukraine. Sources claimed Kiev might deploy them as soon as November.
Scholz stated that the air defense system were “the most modern”In the German stockpile would “enable Ukraine to protect an entire major city from Russian airstrikes.”
The operational testing of the medium-range IRIS-T SL version was completed in January. The short-range version was deployed by Sweden, co-developer.
He also assured lawmakers that the government will provide additional counter-battery radios. These systems detect artillery fire from distant locations and pinpoint its origin, often in order to strike them with retaliation.
Scholz stated that Germany would coordinate with the USA to transport its numerous rocket launchers to Ukraine.
Criticisms have accused Scholz of being cautious when arming Ukraine. Speaking during a budget discussion in parliament, Scholz touted his record of providing military aid to Kiev, calling his government’s decision to break the German tradition not to send arms to conflict zones “courageous.”He pledged long-term support to Ukraine and Russia.
Russia attacked Ukraine in late February, following Kiev’s failure to implement the terms of the Minsk agreements, first signed in 2014, and Moscow’s eventual recognition of the Donbass republics of Donetsk and Lugansk. French and German-brokered protocols were intended to grant the regions that broke away special status in the Ukrainian state.
Since then, the Kremlin demanded Ukraine declare itself neutral and vow to never join NATO’s military bloc. Kiev claims that the Russian invasion was unprovoked. It also denies any plans to take the republics with force.
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