German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kiev on Monday for talks on expanding defence industry cooperation with Ukraine, with a focus on jointly developing new weapons systems.
Pistorius told dpa at the start of his visit, which had not been announced in advance for security reasons, that strengthening cooperation as part of a strategic partnership was the main aim of the trip.
“Germany and Ukraine are strategic partners who both benefit from the cooperation. This gives rise to numerous new projects,” Pistorius said.
“The focus is on the joint development of advanced unmanned systems of all ranges, especially in the area of deep strike. This is how we strengthen the security of our countries,” he added.
Deep strike refers to the ability to destroy important targets far behind enemy lines. European NATO partners still have capability gaps in long-range weapons and Pistorius believes NATO countries need to close them as quickly as possible.
He said Berlin was seeking further German-Ukrainian joint ventures.
“We benefit from the Ukrainians’ experience on the battlefield. We also plan to use the ‘Brave One’ platform to support developers who can demonstrate promising innovations,” Pistorius said.
Ukrainian war experience to help German military
Ukraine has developed a wide range of systems of its own to make up for a shortage of longer-range weapons. In the fifth year of its defensive war against Russia, it is considered one of the world’s leading countries in drone warfare, with battlefield experience helping shape new tactics.
Ukrainian drones are hitting targets far behind the front at increasingly short intervals, putting Russian troops under growing pressure. At the same time, the fighting remains largely deadlocked, with little movement on the battlefield.
In April, the Russian military lost more territory in Ukraine than it had newly occupied for the first time in years. In the same month, Russia recorded 35,000 dead and wounded, according to Western military figures.
Germany wants to mobilize more private capital
Germany has recently expanded its support for Ukraine’s defence against Russia and plans to attract more private German investment in Ukrainian defence companies and joint ventures.
The Defence Ministry in Berlin recently hosted a video conference with Ukrainian government representatives to discuss the conditions for such investment. Banks, funds and other financial-sector players also took part for the first time.
In mid-April, the German government agreed a “strategic partnership” with Ukraine during government consultations and pledged further military aid.
Germany is to finance a Ukrainian contract with US defence company Raytheon for the delivery of several hundred Patriot missiles. An agreement was also reached with German company Diehl Defence for the delivery of further launchers for Iris-T air defence systems.
The production of medium- and longer-range drones was also agreed. A joint venture is planned with the aim of delivering thousands of drones.
Germany and Ukraine’s other supporters say they aim to give Kiev the strongest possible position in any peace negotiations with Russia and to ensure Moscow cannot dictate the terms of a settlement to the country it attacked.
Boris Pistorius German Minister of Defence, joins the Ukrainian train at the border station in Dorohusk for the onward journey to Kiev. Political talks are on the agenda in the Ukrainian capital. (zu dpa: «Germany’s Pistorius seeks joint weapons development with Ukraine») Kay Nietfeld/dpa
Boris Pistorius, German Minister of Defence, is welcomed by Heiko Thoms, German Ambassador to Ukraine, at the main railway station in Kiev. Political talks are on the agenda. (zu dpa: «Germany’s Pistorius seeks joint weapons development with Ukraine») Kay Nietfeld/dpa