Germany has commissioned Rheinmetall to deliver 20 more Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) to Ukraine. The order, estimated at around 50 million Euros ($53 million), is set to be delivered within the year. Maintenance and overhaul for the Marders will take place at Rheinmetall’s facilities in Unterlüß and Kassel. Germany’s armed forces will replace the donated Marders with newer Puma IFVs, bolstering its defenses with updated capabilities while handing over battle-tested equipment to Kyiv.
Berlin has provided Ukraine with an estimated 22 billion euros ($24 million) in humanitarian and military aid since Russia’s invasion in 2022. The German defense ministry announced that its 2024 budget for the cause will double to 8 billion euros ($8.5 billion). Germany is currently in talks with the UK to send Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine in exchange for Taurus cruise missiles. Germany has also provided three additional Gepard anti-aircraft guns to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, along with various other military supplies including air defense tank shells, artillery shells, mine clearance tanks, reconnaissance drones, and missile protection systems. Additionally, Germany has established an armored coalition with Poland under the Ukraine Defense Contact Group to supply armored vehicles to counter Russia’s troops.
