The German government has allocated a new package of defense assistance to Ukraine, which will include a large number of anti-aircraft missiles and ammunition.

This was announced by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who arrived on an unannounced visit to Odesa.

During his third trip to Ukraine, which took place in strict secrecy due to the threat of missile strikes, the German head of the defense ministry announced the provision of a new defense tranche worth €500 million.

“We will continue to support you in this defensive war,” Pistorius said during a meeting with his colleague Rustem Umerov.

According to the statement, the new military assistance package will include a large number of anti-aircraft missiles to the Iris-T SLM systems and a slightly smaller number to the Iris-T SLS systems.

In addition to strengthening Ukrainian air defense, the new tranche will also provide support for already transferred equipment with spare parts, in particular spare barrels for artillery systems and engines for Leopard 2 tanks.

The country will also transfer 1 million cartridges to small arms and drones “for reconnaissance and combat in the Black Sea.”

The package also includes intangible assistance. Germany will finance support for Ukrainian terminals for seamless satellite communications, as well as production training courses for Ukrainian technicians.

In his statement in Odesa, Pistorius added that part of the assistance was “on its way.”

During the meeting, Pistorius also mentioned previous commitments, noting that the delivery of 18 new RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzers would begin from 2025.

In addition, Germany will supply additional Marder infantry fighting vehicles, armored vehicles, self-propelled anti-aircraft guns and electronic warfare equipment. Ukraine will also receive several hundred sniper rifles.

Germany will also finance the repair and modernization of 19 Spanish Leopard 2A4 tanks to be handed over to Ukraine during this year. In total, €1 million will be allocated for each tank.