Since 2025, Germany has taken over from the United States as the largest provider of military aid to Ukraine. This makes it particularly interesting to examine what deliveries are currently planned for 2026.
At the top of the list are IRIS-T SLM air defense systems, which have repeatedly proven their effectiveness in countering russia’s combined aerial attacks. As of late 2025, Ukraine was known to have received nine such batteries.
Read more: Germany to Enhance Ukrainian Armed Forces with 6 IRIS-T Air Defense Systems and First RCH-155 Self-Propelled Howitzers, Exceeding Initial NumbersMy latest piece → From state-of-the-art air defence systems and highly effective self-propelled howitzers to life-saving medical equipment. What military aid will Germany provide to #Ukraine in 2026? An overview.https://t.co/sKphqxJca2— German Aid to Ukraine (@deaidua) January 6, 2026
While exact plans have not been officially disclosed, it can be assumed that Ukraine may receive three additional IRIS-T SLM systems in 2026, mirroring last year’s deliveries. There is also a possibility that four systems could be transferred, including a battery originally promised for 2025.
In the field of short-range air defense, deliveries of Skyranger 35 systems on the Leopard 1 chassis are expected to continue. These shipments began back in November. Germany is also maintaining the supply of ammunition for these systems and for others already in service, such as Gepard and Skynex. About a year ago, an order was placed for 180,000 HEI-T rounds, supplementing earlier contracts.
Skyranger 35 on Leopard 1 chassis, September 2024 / Photo credit: Rheinmetall
As for air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles, Germany previously pledged to transfer a large number of AIM-9 missiles from its own stocks. These will support both Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets and the FrankenSAM air defense system.
Turning to artillery, the most notable program remains the delivery of 54 RCH 155 self-propelled howitzers, the first of which were ordered as early as 2022. Initially, Ukraine was expected to receive them in 2024, but the timeline shifted first to 2025 and now most likely to 2026.
The first RCH 155 delivered to Ukraine / Photo credit: tagesschau.de
Last year, when the project’s status was discussed, it was noted that modifications were still being made to the RCH 155, particularly to integrate the system with Ukraine’s Kropyva digital fire control system. Given that the first howitzer was formally handed over a year ago, there is hope that full-scale deliveries will finally begin this year.
Germany has also financed Ukrainian-made 2S22 Bohdana self-propelled howitzers. Berlin allocated EUR 750 million for 200 systems mounted on the Zetros chassis. Given the high production rate, most of these howitzers are likely to be delivered in 2026. The transfer of the 1,000 ordered Zetros trucks is also expected to continue during the same period.
Mercedes-Benz Zetros truck in service with Ukraine’s Defense Forces / Photo credit: alexraptor94 on X (Twitter)
When it comes to artillery ammunition, Germany’s policy of classifying all military aid shipments makes it impossible to determine exact quantities. However, supplies of 122 mm and 155 mm rounds are likely to continue as before.
Although Ukraine produces a wide range of drones domestically, German UAVs are also expected to continue arriving. These include Vector reconnaissance drones from Quantum Systems, which have already proven themselves in combat. It is also quite possible that strike drones from Helsing will continue to be supplied, although their use remains largely out of the public spotlight.
Vector UAV / Photo credit: Quantum Systems
It is also reasonable to assume that Germany will continue financing Ukrainian long-range strike drones, such as the An-196 Liutyi. Berlin already provided funding for their production last year, and once those batches are delivered, new funding rounds may follow.
Another important element is the PURL program, which finances the procurement of U.S.-made weapons for Ukraine, including GMLRS munitions and Patriot air defense systems. Germany played an active role in this program in 2025 and will likely continue its participation as long as the mechanism remains available.
MARS II multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) using U.S.-made GMLRS rockets
Among other notable items, Ukraine is expected to receive five Lynx infantry fighting vehicles from Rheinmetall, for which funding for full-scale serial production and localization has not yet been secured. In addition, the company is supplying mobile military hospitals, which play a critical role in saving wounded personnel.
Overall, this overview reflects only part of Germany’s military assistance to Ukraine planned for 2026. In reality, final volumes are likely to be significantly larger and will probably include currently classified systems, as well as deliveries and funding decisions that have yet to be publicly announced.
Read more: Largest German Aid Project Delivers 200 Bohdana Howitzers on Zetros Platforms