Germany will transfer tanks, IFVs, and Patriot SAM systems to Ukraine
The German government will announce a new military aid package for Ukraine, which will include air defense equipment, armored vehicles, and ammunition. Der Spiegel reported on this. Ukraine will receive two launchers for the Patriot SAM system from the Bundeswehr stockpiles.
They should be included in one of the two previously deployed batteries. It is also planned to transfer 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, 25 Leopard 1A5 tanks, and five Bergepanzer 2 armored recovery vehicles.
Bergepanzer 2 armored recovery vehicle of the German military. Photo credits: toysforboys4.euThe delivery also includes 20,000 artillery ammunition and 5,000 155mm smoke shells, means of detecting and countering drones, and LUNA UAVs.
In addition, the Armed Forces of Ukraine will hand over mine clearance equipment, tactical medical equipment, and parts of a field hospital. "The package aligns with Ukraine's priorities, namely air defense, tanks, and artillery. In this way, we are making an important contribution to strengthening the stability of Ukraine," Boris Pistorius, German Minister of Defence, said.
The total value of the new aid package will be more than EUR600 million.
Luna UAV
The announced military aid package did not specify the specific type of drone, limiting itself to its name - LUNA. This presumably refers to the German LUNA X-2000 unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance aerial vehicle.
LUNA X-2000 is an unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance aerial vehicle developed by the German company EMT Penzberg and adopted by the Bundeswehr in 2003. This UAV is designed for surveillance within a radius of 65 km for 6-8 hours. Depending on the tasks, LUNA is equipped with daytime and infrared observation devices.
The drone can have outboard modules for radiochemical reconnaissance and electronic warfare missions.
The UAV is equipped with a gasoline two-stroke internal combustion engine and is launched using a catapult.
After completing the task, the device lands with a parachute.