On February 26, 2024, the German federal government dispatched a new batch of military aid to Ukraine, featuring a wide range of equipment from artillery ammunition to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and specialized mine-clearing machines.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The WiSENT 1 was developed by FFG to support the Leopard 2 main battle tank and other vehicles in armies around the world. (Picture source: FFG)
This latest installment of aid includes a substantial supply of military hardware: 14,000 rounds of 155 mm caliber artillery shells from the Bundeswehr reserves, made in Germany, along with four WISENT 1 armored mine-clearing vehicles. Additionally, the batch contains three advanced teleoperated mine-clearing systems, tools and materials for bomb disposal operations, and 250 tool kits for explosive ordnance disposal (EOD).
The delivery of artillery ammunition, UAVs, and mine-clearing machines to Ukraine by Germany plays a significant strategic importance in the context of the current conflict. Artillery ammunition provides crucial support for offensive and defensive operations, allowing for long-distance strikes to weaken opposing forces, and is extensively used by both sides. UAVs enhance reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities, but most importantly, offer a cost-effective destruction ratio, with drones being heavily utilized at the front.
Furthermore, mine-clearing machines play a vital role in securing conflict zones, and eliminating risks posed by landmines to troops and civilians, thus facilitating military operations and overall security. Russia has extensively used its mines throughout the conflict. Together, these equipments significantly strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities, supporting its efforts to protect its territory and population in a complex war environment.
The shipment also includes 10 Vector surveillance drones, 22 systems designed to counter drones through detection and jamming, twelve terminals to ensure satellite connectivity, and four vehicles intended to bolster border defenses. Moreover, the German government has expanded its future commitments to Ukraine with the addition of 10 Bergepanzer 2 armored recovery vehicles and 20 additional anti-drone systems.
This announcement follows Chancellor Olaf Scholz's statement earlier in the month, during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Berlin, where Scholz outlined plans to allocate an additional €1.1 billion in military aid to Ukraine. To date, Germany's total military support for Ukraine has reached or promised an impressive sum of €28 billion, with €7 billion earmarked for 2024.
