Germany to transfer several BIBER bridge-laying machines and Gepard tanks to Ukraine
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Gepard anti-aircraft self-propelled artillery installations will be supplied to Ukraine from warehouses of industrial enterprises, and the issue of their equipment will still be resolved.
David Helmbold, a representative of the press service of the German Ministry of Defense, told journalists in Berlin.
"Gepards have not been in the service of the Bundeswehr for many years, which means that there is no need to replace them; they will be provided from industrial stocks," Helmbold said.
At the same time, he did not specify when this equipment would be transferred to the Armed Forces.
Commenting on the possibility of equipping these machines, he noted that there are various possibilities and systems, for example, to install air defense equipment or others on them. Specific issues will be discussed within NATO with allies, Helmbold noted.
Earlier, the Minister of Defense Christine Lambrecht, based on the results of the meeting at the air base in Ramstein, said that "the second batch of Gepard anti-aircraft tanks will be delivered soon."
In addition, according to her, the Biber bridge-laying tank should be delivered soon.
The minister also noted that Germany would give Ukraine a "winter package": electric generators, thermal clothing, food, and field equipment.
The head of the German Ministry of Defense head also mentioned the training program for the Ukrainian military, which will be implemented with the Netherlands. The range of training courses in the coming months will be expanded, considering the needs of the Armed Forces. In this context, Lambrecht announced a new initiative – mine clearance measures. The Ukrainian military will learn how to identify mines, remove booby traps in the town of Stetten am Kalten Markt, and receive the necessary equipment.
"This shows that we support Ukraine very widely, very intensively," Lambrecht stressed.
According to the list "Military aid to Ukraine" on the German government's website, Germany plans to supply Ukraine with 16 BIBER armored bridge-laying vehicles and 10 GEPARD anti-aircraft tanks, and about 6,000 ammunition for them.
