Just two days after the catastrophic report by the FAZ on the planned and therefore possible future of German military assistance to Ukraine, the German government has publicised the military aid provided over the past three weeks.
However, before the claim arises that this serves to curb the predominantly negative PR, I have to put a stop to it. Since the beginning of the year, the German government has only been publishing the military aid it has delivered and newly promised every three weeks or so. The latest publication therefore follows the current rhythm.
Let’s now have a look at the list that was made public today.
- 2 IRIS-T SLS launchers
- 10 Sonobot 5 USVs
- 26 Vector UAVs
- 1 Bergepanzer 2 ARV
- 6 High Mobility Engineer Excavators (armoured)
- 50 CR 308 rifles
- 10 HLR 338 precision rifles
- 700 MK 556 assault rifles
- 14,000 155mm shells
- material for explosive ordnance disposal
- 55,000 First aid kits
As with every release, we can observe a diverse mix of military assistance for different areas of the AFU. From air defence equipment and military engineering vehicles to firearms for Ukrainian SOF and Air Assault Forces and medical equipment. There is simply a bit of everything.
IRIS-T SLS launchers for the Ukrainian Air Defence
Let’s start by having a look at the two IRIS-T SLS launchers supplied. These are listed in the official list of the German government as “Air defence systems IRIS-T SLS”. However, these were promised as launchers, not as systems, and are also known to be integrated into the IRIS-T SLM fire units.
For some unknown reason, the designation was changed from launchers to systems in the list and the number was halved. There is no indication that the deliveries to Ukraine actually include independently functioning fire units, so I continue to assume that they are pure launchers, without radar, without TOC, without logistic supply vehicles and more.
However, in view of the permanently enormous pressure placed on the Ukrainian air defence forces by Russian troops, even two launchers are a welcome reinforcement.
In contrast to the launchers of the IRIS-T SLM fire unit, they use less expensive and less powerful IRIS-T missiles, which are in service with many nations.
Even if less expensive and less powerful sounds bad at first, it does have its advantages. Should an IRIS-T SLM fire unit ever have to engage drones — which happens occasionally — it can rely on the SLS launchers, whose cheaper missiles still do the job.
Drones for the AFU & SESU
Also delivered were 10 Sonobot 5 USVs and 26 Vector UAVs. These are drones from the German companies EvoLogics and Quantum Systems, which are used by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The State Emergency Service of Ukraine is using the Sonobot 5 USVs supplied by Germany to search for unexploded ordnance in Ukrainian waters. Germany has already delivered 50 of these unmanned surface vessels to Ukraine, with 20 more to follow.
The Vector UAVs are high-quality reconnaissance drones that have been in use in Ukraine since 2022. Ukraine is known to have a high demand for these specific reconnaissance drones, as they are one of the best reconnaissance drones currently in use in Ukraine.
The company, which is responsible for the production of the Vector, has continuously expanded its involvement in Ukraine. Not only are there now training and repair and maintenance facilities in Ukraine, but thanks to the production site opened recently, it is now also possible to manufacture Vector UAVs on a large scale in Ukraine with Ukrainian personnel.
Much needed engineering vehicles
Also delivered were a single Bergepanzer 2 ARV and six High Mobility Engineer Excavators (HMEE), urgently needed military engineering vehicles.
Of particular interest are the for the first time delivered six High Mobility Engineer Excavators, which originate from Bundeswehr stocks. These are armoured backhoe loaders which can reach high speeds designed for military use, which were produced by the British company JCB.
The HMEEs are equipped with ballistic protection, air conditioning and other extras that clearly differentiate the vehicles from other excavators deployed in Ukraine.
Engineering capabilities like these are in great demand in Ukraine. According to Wikipedia, the Bundeswehr had a total of seven in its inventory, six of which are now in Ukraine. It can therefore be assumed that another vehicle will be delivered in the future.
Plenty of firearms for Ukrainian SOF & Air Assault Forces
Finally, we should briefly talk about the firearms that have been delivered to Ukraine over the past three weeks. These are 50 CR 308 rifles, 10 HLR 338 precision rifles and a large delivery of 700 MK 556 assault rifles.
All firearms are manufactured by the German company C.G. Haenel and are mostly used by Ukrainian SOF. The MK 556 in particular is very popular, although there is also a high demand for the HLR 338 within the AFU — according to the Ukrainian Minister of Defence.
It’s also nice to see that another large delivery of MK 556 assault rifles was included. I recently published on my social media channels that the first branch outside the Ukrainian SOF units, the Air Assault Forces with the 82nd Separate Air Assault Brigade, are now using the assault rifles supplied by Germany.
So I’m curious to see whether the MK 556 will establish itself as the dominant weapon within the 82nd Separate Air Assault Brigade, or whether only individual teams will be equipped with it.
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