This is reported by Kyiv24
On July 21, the latest meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, known as the “Ramstein format,” took place, during which the defense ministers of Germany and the United Kingdom presented a joint plan to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense. Representatives from 52 countries participated in the meeting, working on further support for Ukraine in the field of security.
Partnership to Strengthen Ukraine’s Air Defense
UK Defense Minister John Healey announced that together with his German counterpart Boris Pistorius, they agreed on a strategic partnership to supply Ukraine with critically important missiles for air defense systems. According to Pistorius, Ukraine will soon receive 220,000 35mm rounds for the Gepard anti-aircraft gun system, funded by Germany. Additionally, Germany is investing in comprehensive procurement of long-range drones produced in Ukraine, which have already demonstrated effectiveness on the battlefield by destroying Russian aircraft, drones, and missiles before they can threaten Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. The first batches of such systems will be delivered to Ukrainian forces within a few days and will be ready for immediate use.
“Together with our British friends, we will provide 220,000 35mm rounds for the Gepard anti-aircraft gun system in a timely manner, funded by Germany. To protect the skies over Ukraine, we must support the Ukrainian armed forces in their offensive efforts aimed at weakening Russia’s air capabilities. That is why we are funding comprehensive procurement of long-range drones produced in Ukraine. These systems are already proving their value on the battlefield. They destroy Russian aircraft, drones, and missiles on the ground long before they can pose a threat to Ukraine, its urban centers, or its infrastructure. The first systems funded by Germany will be delivered to the Ukrainian armed forces within the next few days and will be ready for immediate use,” said the German defense minister.
Unprecedented Military Support and Technical Cooperation
John Healey emphasized that the United Kingdom will allocate over £4.5 billion for military assistance to Ukraine this year, a record amount. Of this sum, £700 million will go towards the procurement of artillery shells, long-range missiles, and defensive missiles, with £150 million provided in just the last two months. Since March, the UK has delivered nearly 50,000 drones to Ukraine, fulfilling its commitment to increase their number tenfold over the year.
Boris Pistorius also confirmed that Germany will do everything possible to expedite the delivery of five Patriot systems and will provide additional investments while deepening technical cooperation between Germany’s defense industry and Ukraine.
Earlier that same day, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksandr Shmyhal and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, emphasized that the most critical need for the country’s defense remains modern air defense systems and munitions for them.
The new Ukrainian delegation at the meeting is led by Defense Minister Oleksandr Shmyhal, who is welcomed by participants on his appointment. The delegation also includes his predecessor Rustem Umerov, who now serves as the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council.