Ukraine’s First German-Funded Long-Range Weapon to Be Ready Within Weeks

Ukraine is expected to begin deploying German-funded long-range weapons — Deep Strike systems — as early as 2025.

According to Germany’s Ministry of Defense, the first units could be operational within weeks of financing.

The agreement, signed earlier today, includes Berlin’s commitment to invest directly in weapons production inside Ukraine.

“Since these systems are already in service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces, no additional training is required,” the German side stated.

Sweden has also recently pledged to fund the production of Ukrainian long-range strike weapons, which are used to target key infrastructure in Russia.

Over the past year, Ukraine has increased its output of Deep Strike drones 22-fold compared to 2022. This growth has been made possible in part due to international support.

The Deep Strike category includes long-range UAVs such as the Liutyi and Bober, and missile-capable drones like Peklo and Palyanytsya.

Ukrainian forces are also employing several classified long-range systems.

Today, more than half of Ukraine’s Deep Strike drones are domestically produced, from design to assembly. These systems are being used to target critical infrastructure inside Russia.

Strikes have focused on oil refineries, fuel depots, and energy infrastructure that supports Russian military logistics and generates revenue for the Russia’s state budget, helping to finance the aggression against Ukraine.

One of the most effective drones is the Liutyi, which carries a 75-kilogram warhead and has a range of more than 1,000 kilometers. It has been used in recent attacks on strategic targets deep within Russian territory.

Liutyi launches are typically coordinated with other drones, some of which serve as decoys equipped with radar reflectors. This tactic helps to penetrate Russian air defenses and increase strike effectiveness.