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Ukraine signs memorandum with Iris-T air defense systems manufacturer

According to Ukrainian defense ministry, the memorandum provides for a three-fold increase of air defense missiles supplies

MOSCOW, March 9. /TASS/. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has signed a memorandum of understanding with Germany’s Diehl Defence, the manufacturer of Iris-T air defense systems, the Ukrainian defense ministry said.

"We have signed a memorandum of understanding with Diehl Defence, the manufacturer of Iris-T systems, which is an important part of Ukraine’s air defense shield. The document opens a path to industrial projects that will bolster air defense capabilities," it wrote on its Telegram channel.

According to the ministry, the memorandum provides for a three-fold increase of air defense missiles supplies. However, the ministry did not specify when a legally binding agreement will be signed, when such missiles will be supplied and who much they will cost.

Currently, Germany is the second largest arms supplier to Ukraine after the United States. Berlin has been providing assistance to Kiev since 2022. It has already transferred Iris-T air defense systems, Leopard 1 and Leopard 2 tanks, MARS II multiple launch missile systems, Zetros fuel tanker trucks, Biber armored bridge layers, Patriot missile defense systems, Wisent 1 mine-clearing tanks, and Vector reconnaissance drones.

According to the German government, around 28 billion euro have been allocated for military support for Kiev, of which 12.6 billion had been transferred by December 2024.

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