Germany wants to produce ammunition for the anti-aircraft tank Gepard, which is used in Ukraine against Russia. The reason for this is that Switzerland, as the previous producer, refuses subsequent delivery with transfer for reasons of neutrality.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Tuesday on the sidelines of the meeting of the so-called Ukraine contact group at NATO headquarters in Brussels that contracts with the manufacturers had been signed. “We are now immediately resuming our own production in Rheinmetall for cheetah ammunition,” said the SPD minister.
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This ensures independence and faster delivery. The cheetah renders “excellent services” in Ukraine, including in defense of drones, Pistorius said. The German government has promised Kiev 37 anti-aircraft tanks.
According to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, the new contract is for 300,000 shots, which will be delivered in Ukraine from July. Ammunition stocks for the tank are largely in Switzerland, which has not yet agreed to a transfer to Ukraine. In Bern, the argument is based on the War Material Act, which does not allow this.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called it “top priority” to provide the heavy weapons, modern air defense systems and ammunition Ukraine needs in view of the anticipated Russian offensive. “They can really make a difference,” Stoltenberg said. He does not rule out fighter jets for Ukraine, but “this is not the most urgent question at the moment”.
“We will support Ukraine’s struggle for freedom in the long term and help to counter the spring offensive and make progress,” US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said at the start of the consultations of the Ukrainian contact group, which consists of the 30 NATO -to land. and up to 20 partner countries.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Resnikov personally participated in the talks in Brussels. (sda/afp)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
