Germany and France are preparing to send a new package of military aid to Ukraine
Germany and France are preparing to send a new package of military aid to Ukraine, which will include armored vehicles, artillery shells, and air defense systems. This was reported by the German Ministry of Defense.
The package includes 30 Leopard 1A5 tanks, 20 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, and 10,000 artillery shells. France will provide additional Caesar self-propelled howitzers and Mistral air defense systems.
Delivery is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with the aim of strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russian aggression.
This decision was made during a meeting between German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his French counterpart Sébastien Lecornu in Berlin.
The new aid package is part of ongoing Western support for Ukraine, which has already received billions of dollars in military assistance since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Leopard 1A5 tanks
The Leopard 1A5 is a German-made main battle tank, an upgraded variant of the original Leopard 1 introduced in the 1960s. The 1A5 version, developed in the mid-1980s, featured a modernized fire control system and improved armor, allowing it to remain effective through the Cold War and into the 21st century. It has been used by several NATO and allied nations, with many units later retired or sold to other countries.
Marder infantry fighting vehicles
The Marder is a German infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) developed in the 1960s and introduced into service with the Bundeswehr in the 1970s. Designed to transport troops and provide direct fire support, it was one of the first purpose-built IFVs, featuring a 20mm autocannon and advanced protection for its era. The Marder saw extensive service in Cold War NATO deployments and later in peacekeeping missions, remaining in active use by Germany and other nations until being gradually replaced by the Puma IFV in the 2010s.
Caesar self-propelled howitzers
The Caesar self-propelled howitzer is a French-made, 155mm wheeled artillery system developed by Nexter Systems, first entering service in the early 2000s. It was designed to provide rapid deployment and high mobility, combining a truck chassis with an automated turret for quick firing and repositioning. The system has seen combat in various conflicts, including deployments by the French and other armies, and has been supplied to Ukraine during the Russian invasion.
Mistral air defense systems
The Mistral is a French short-range, man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) developed by Matra (now MBDA) in the 1980s. Designed to engage low-flying aircraft and helicopters, it uses an infrared homing seeker for fire-and-forget targeting and has been widely exported to over 30 countries. Its combat history includes notable use during the Falklands War (by Argentine forces) and conflicts in the Persian Gulf and Ukraine, where it has proven effective against modern aerial threats.
Berlin
Berlin, the capital of Germany, is a city with a rich and turbulent history, having been at the center of key events like the Prussian Empire, the Cold War division between East and West, and the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Today, it is a vibrant cultural hub, known for landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building, and its world-renowned art and music scenes. The city’s resilience and transformation from a divided metropolis to a unified symbol of freedom make it a unique and compelling destination.
