Another IRIS-T air defense system from Germany will arrive in Ukraine in May, in addition to the two Patriot systems already deployed and the third planned, as Germany continues to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities.
A large-scale fire broke out at Diehl's plant in Berlin, which is involved in the production of air defense systems, but it will not affect the production of IRIS-T air defense systems.
A large-scale fire at the Diehl Metal Applications metallurgical plant in Berlin, which develops air defense systems, has led to the release of toxic smoke. Authorities advise residents to stay indoors and close windows.
Zelenskiy called on allies to provide more advanced air defense systems to protect Ukrainian cities from Russian attacks, saying this would reduce Russia's ability to wage terror and force it to seek peace.
Germany pressures the United States and other NATO allies to provide Ukraine with more Patriot missile defense systems and other equipment to strengthen its air defense against massive Russian air strikes.
Ukraine has the right to self-defense, including strikes against legitimate military targets outside the country, such as russian aircraft that have been firing on Ukrainian cities, as NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has stated.
Germany's Diehl Defense will provide Ukraine with another IRIS-T missile defense system to strengthen its air defense, in addition to the three systems already delivered. The new system is expected to arrive in a few weeks.
President Zelenskyy announced that Germany would provide Ukraine with an additional Patriot air defense system, and that work is underway to obtain an additional IRIS-T system and missiles for existing air defense systems from Germany.
Stoltenberg welcomed Germany's significant military support for Ukraine, including advanced air defense systems, battle tanks and ammunition, and reaffirmed Ukraine's right to self-defense under the UN Charter, while allies provide long-range systems to help Ukraine defend itself.
Zelenskyy said that while Ukraine is gradually strengthening its air defense, it is doing so more slowly than it would like and hopes to receive more systems from partners.
Germany will provide Ukraine with a new military aid package worth 1. 1 billion euros, including howitzers, ammunition, air defense systems, and missiles.
Ukraine expects to receive aircraft and long-range weapons with a radius of more than 300 kilometers in the next military aid packages.
Germany has updated the list of military aid handed over to Ukraine to include armored personnel carriers, demining tanks, and border guard vehicles. In addition, Kyiv received dry rations, artillery shells, and air defense missiles.