01/07/2026
Germany has become Ukraine’s largest provider of military support, with German funding and contracts indicating further deliveries of air defense systems, artillery, and drones through 2026, according to Defense Express on January 7.
Defense Express stated that Germany’s 2026 pipeline is expected to continue prioritizing air defense, including IRIS-T SLM systems, which Ukrainian officials claim have already been delivered in nine units as part of Germany’s commitment to supply up to 12.
It also cited additional German-backed air defense steps, including Rheinmetall’s Skyranger 35 systems and further orders for 35mm Gepard ammunition, and noted that Germany has announced plans to provide AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles from Bundeswehr stocks.
On the ground systems, Defense Express pointed to Germany’s pledge of 54 RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzers, with the first unit formally handed over in January 2025 and initially retained in Germany for training purposes.
It also cited agreements signed in December 2025 for the production of 200 Ukrainian Bohdana 155mm self-propelled howitzers on Mercedes-Benz Zetros chassis valued at $815 million, with Ukraine’s Defense Ministry saying the systems are to be delivered in 2026, alongside separate reporting that Ukraine has ordered more than 1,000 Zetros trucks to expand military logistics.
Defense Express stated that Germany’s publicly known plans also include continued drone support, including Vector reconnaissance drones produced in Ukraine by the German manufacturer Quantum Systems since 2024, as well as strike-drone contracts involving the Germany-based defense firm Helsing, which has announced that it will produce 6,000 additional HX-2 drones for Ukraine.
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Nice! And some countries in Europe still act as if they are on another continent and that this war doesn’t affect them.