In a bid to strengthen Ukraine’s defensive capabilities against Russia, Germany has announced its intention to provide Ukraine with 45 more Gepard anti-aircraft tanks, also known as Cheetah tanks, by the end of this year.
Brigadier General Christian Freuding, the head of the Ukraine Situation Centre in the Ministry of Defence, revealed the plan in an interview with the newspaper Die Welt, with his comments previewed by dpa.
To date, a total of 34 Gepard tanks have already been delivered, and an additional 15 tanks will be added in the coming weeks. “Furthermore, we aim to deliver up to another 30 Gepard tanks towards the end of the year in collaboration with the US,” stated Freuding.
The general identified air defense as a critical vulnerability in the Ukrainian army’s ongoing counter-offensive. “We are doing everything within our means. However, when it comes to air defense, does Ukraine have sufficient resources? Clearly, the answer is no!” emphasized Freuding.
In addition to the Gepard tanks, Ukraine plans to enhance its defense capabilities with IRIS-T SLM air defense systems, boasting an impressive success rate of “almost 100%,” according to Freuding. Two of these systems have already been delivered, and two more will follow this year, with an additional four slated for 2024.
As part of the restructuring within the defense department, Freuding has assumed leadership of a new planning and command staff. He described the planning staff as an essential component of adapting to changing times and ensuring that the German armed forces are prepared and combat-ready. “The lesson learned from the conflict in Ukraine can be summarized in one sentence: we need fully prepared armed forces, ready for war,” added Freuding.
Source: © Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH
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