Latest news with #Gepard
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Germany delivers Gepard air defenses, shells, drones, other aid to Ukraine
Germany has provided three Gepard anti-aircraft systems with 10,000 rounds of ammunition, 24 mine protection vehicles, and other defense aid to Ukraine in its latest round of aid deliveries announced on March 17. Berlin is Ukraine's largest military donor in Europe, second only to the U.S. in terms of defense assistance provided. The new delivery included 5,000 155 mm artillery shells, 2,000 122 mm shells, 8,000 120 mm mortar shells, and ammunition for Leopard 1 tanks, Marder infantry fighting vehicles, and IRIS-T air defense systems. Ukraine has also received fresh support in unmanned systems, including 50 Vector reconnaissance drones, 30 Gereon RCS tracked drones, and 30 drone detection systems. The latest tranche further included small arms, first aid kits, demining equipment, and border protection equipment. Germany initially allocated around 4 billion euros ($4.36 billion) in defense assistance to Ukraine in 2025. Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz held up an additional 3 billion euros ($3.27 billion) proposed by his coalition partners, but his incoming successor, Friedrich Merz, pledged to push the package through. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine confirms withdrawal from Sudzha in Russia's Kursk Oblast We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Germany donates Gepard anti-aircraft systems, Vector drones and ammunition to Ukraine
Germany updated its list of military assistance to Ukraine on Monday 17 March, which included, among other things, Gepard anti-aircraft systems and drones. Source: European Pravda with reference to the updated list Details: The updated list of military aid from Germany to Ukraine includes 24 mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles (MRAP), ammunition for the Leopard 1 main battle tanks and ammunition for infantry fighting vehicles, including for the MARDER infantry fighting vehicles. Ukraine also received three Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft systems and 10,000 rounds of ammunition for Gepard (the Gepard's ammunition load consists of 640 rounds). Germany provided Ukraine with missiles for the IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defence system, 5,000 rounds of 155mm ammunition, 2,000 rounds of 122mm ammunition and 8,000 rounds for the 120mm mortar. Ukraine's defence forces also received drones, including 50 VECTOR reconnaissance drones with spare parts. Additionally, Germany donated 30 tracked Gereon RCS drones and 30 drone detection systems. Furthermore, Ukraine received two WISENT 1 armoured mine-clearing vehicles, 100 portable mine-clearing systems and two mine ploughs, as well as laser rangefinders, infrared binoculars, vehicles, assault rifles and medical kits. Background: On 17 February, the German government updated the list of military assistance to Ukraine, announcing the provision of new equipment, drones and ammunition for various systems. On 14 March, it was reported that an agreement among key political parties in Germany regarding a large funding package could pave the way for additional military aid to Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Germany hands over new aid package to Ukraine with IRIS-T missiles, ammunition and howitzers
The German government updated the list of military assistance provided to Ukraine on Monday, 17 February, announcing the provision of new equipment, drones and ammunition for various systems. Source: website of the German Federal Government; European Pravda Details: In particular, the package includes 56 MRAP armoured vehicles, ammunition for Leopard 1 tanks and Marder infantry fighting vehicles. In addition, the German government reported on the transfer of 282,000 rounds of ammunition for self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, ammunition for Gepard guns, and missiles for IRIS-T SLM and IRIS-T SLS air defence systems. Four more Zuzana 2 howitzers were also handed over as part of a project funded jointly by Norway and Denmark. In addition, Germany handed over 50,000 155 mm artillery shells and 2,000 122 mm artillery shells. The German government also announced the transfer of 300 HF-1 attack drones, 51 Vector reconnaissance drones with spare parts, 245 RQ-35 Heidrun reconnaissance drones, 29 Songbird reconnaissance drones and 14 Hornet XR reconnaissance drones. Germany also donated demining equipment, more than 600 laser rangefinders and vehicles for border guards. Background: Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the frontrunner for chancellor in the upcoming elections, has stated his intention to change Berlin's policy on supplying long-range Taurus missiles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces after the election. Ukraine is counting on Merz's support, with Zelenskyy stating that "something will change" in Germany's new policy towards Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron!
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rheinmetall CEO says their plants are protected but have no air defence systems
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said that the group's plants are well protected from possible Russian sabotage but noted that there are no air defence systems around the plants. Source: Papperger said this during a panel discussion at the Security and Defence in 2025 conference, DW reports, as reported by European Pravda Details: Answering a question about the security measures Rheinmetall plans to take due to the threat of Russian sabotage, Papperger said that such measures have already been taken in agreement with the federal ministries of defence, interior and economy. Quote: "Our plants are very well protected. Particular attention is paid to cyber security. But we also have fortified security zones around the outer perimeter," he emphasised. However, the head of the group says there are still no air defence systems in place in case of a Russian missile attack on Rheinmetall's plants. Quote: "I am constantly asked what would happen if Russia fired long-range missiles at our plants. I answer that everything is very simple: there will be a war, and Germany will retaliate with bombing rather than watching the destruction of our military facilities. So, of course, I did not deploy anti-aircraft guns around our plants. There is no need for that," he said. Papperger also commented on the possible motives behind the attempted assassination, which was allegedly ordered by the Kremlin. Quote: "Perhaps I was too active in terms of increasing investment, and Putin did not like that. However, if I were gone, the concern would simply be headed by a new person, and nothing would change," he concluded. Background: On 28 January, NATO officially confirmed that Russia intended to kill Papperger. The Alliance said that the Kremlin's plans were thwarted by US and German intelligence and were only part of Russia's efforts to assassinate defence industry executives across Europe. Rheinmetall is the largest and most successful German manufacturer of crucial 155mm artillery shells, which have become a key weapon in the war in Ukraine. In particular, as reported on 6 January, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine ordered additional 35mm ammunition from Rheinmetall for the Gepard anti-aircraft system. Support UP or become our patron!
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rheinmetall CEO: Russia is unhappy with Western arms supplies, so it planned my assassination
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger believes Russia was frustrated with the expansion of the West's military supplies, and that is why it planned his assassination. Source: Papperger in an interview with BNS during his visit to Lithuania; European Pravda reports Details: Papperger believes that countries like Russia are "not very happy" with Rheinmetall's assistance to Western countries in defence. Quote: "I think it's quite obvious that countries like Russia are not very happy that we, as the world's largest producer of large-calibre ammunition, are helping Western countries in terms of defence." Details: At the same time, he said the police were taking care of his safety. Background: Notably, Papperger's statement followed NATO's official announcement on 28 January that Russia intended to kill him. The Alliance reports that the Kremlin's plans were foiled by US and German intelligence and were only part of Russia's efforts to assassinate defence industry executives across Europe. Rheinmetall is the largest and most successful German manufacturer of important 155 mm artillery shells, which have become a key weapon in Russia's war in Ukraine. In particular, as reported on 6 January, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine ordered additional 35mm ammunition from Rheinmetall for the Gepard anti-aircraft system. Support UP or become our patron!
