Germany emerges as Ukraine's top arms supplier with major 2026 weapons package

Defense Express reported the information.

Germany's military support for Ukraine is set to accelerate significantly this year, building on its new status as Kyiv's primary weapons supplier—a role it assumed from the United States in 2025.

At the forefront of the planned deliveries are three to four Iris-T SLM air defense batteries, systems that have proven highly effective against Russian combined air strikes. Ukraine currently operates nine such batteries, and the additional units will further bolster its air defense network. Germany is also continuing shipments of Skyranger 35 anti-aircraft systems mounted on Leopard 1 chassis, along with substantial ammunition stocks for these platforms and previously delivered Gepard systems. Additionally, Berlin has committed to transferring a large quantity of AIM-9 missiles from its own stockpiles to equip Ukraine's F-16 fighter jets and FrankenSAM air defense systems.

The artillery component of German aid centers on 54 RCH 155 self-propelled howitzers, first ordered in 2022 but delayed multiple times as engineers work to integrate them with Ukraine's Kropiva battlefield management system. Following a formal transfer ceremony last year, full-scale deliveries are expected in 2026. Germany has also financed 200 Ukrainian-made Bohdana self-propelled howitzers mounted on German Zetros trucks—a €750 million investment—with high production rates suggesting deliveries will arrive this year. The package includes 1,000 Zetros cargo trucks and ongoing ammunition supplies in 122mm and 155mm calibers, though exact quantities remain classified under Germany's non-disclosure policy.

Berlin continues funding both German and Ukrainian drone programs, including Vector reconnaissance drones from Quantum Systems and likely strike drones from Helsing. Germany is also expected to maintain its support for Ukrainian deep-strike drones like the An-196 Liutyi, having already funded their production last year.

Through the PURL program, Germany is financing Ukraine's procurement of American weapons systems, including GMLRS rockets and Patriot air defense batteries—an initiative Berlin actively supported in 2025 and is likely to continue. Other notable items include five Lynx infantry fighting vehicles from Rheinmetall and mobile military hospitals crucial for treating wounded soldiers.

While Germany keeps precise figures classified, the publicly known plans already represent a substantial commitment, with actual delivery volumes expected to significantly exceed announced figures as additional shipments and funding initiatives remain undisclosed.