German defense delegation’s Kyiv trip signals potential for deeper partnership with Ukraine

Defense Express editor-in-chief Oleh Katkov said this on Espreso TV.

“It should be recalled that German defense companies, primarily Rheinmetall, became the first defense giant to enter Ukraine. An important aspect here is that Rheinmetall was the first, and this happened back in 2023. According to the plan, assembly of the Lynx IFV should already be starting there. In addition, these enterprises are engaged in the repair and maintenance of all those German vehicles that have been supplied to Ukraine—the Marder IFV, the Leopard tank,” he said.

Katkov added that it is important to understand that Ukraine uses other German vehicles as well, such as the Leopard 2, for example.

“There are also issues of repair, maintenance, and possible modernization in Ukraine. The Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzer is similar. We are talking about situations where you need to be serviced directly here. If we talk about air defense—the same Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, Skynex, and IRIS-T air defense systems,” the expert noted.

He recalled that Rheinmetall is currently implementing four separate projects, including the construction of a turnkey ammunition production plant.

“It’s not that the Germans just came and said, ‘Let’s do something’—no, the Germans came because we are already working together and can expand our cooperation. If you are already repairing and servicing, then why not modernize, why not manufacture certain spare parts? Especially if they are needed for all of Europe. The important aspect is that for Europe, we are interesting because we can produce and we have active production lines. This allows us to increase volumes, and these are the weapons that will be delivered to Ukraine. If we talk about the same IRIS-T, then everything produced by Diehl Defence goes to Ukraine. You work as if for the Germans, but in reality, you are working for Ukraine’s defense capability,” Katkov summarized.

• German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul arrived in Ukraine. Along with him came a delegation from the defense industry. According to him, Germany will look for opportunities to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense.