F-16-Compatible Missile and Anti-Missile Solutions: Ukraine Expands Cooperation with Germany's Premier Defense Firm Diehl Defence
On April 16, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov announced during his visit to Berlin that Ukraine is expanding military-technical cooperation with Germany’s leading defense company, Diehl Defence, focusing on strengthening air defense capabilities and advancing joint defense projects.
Reznikov reached a consensus with Helmut Lauter, Managing Director of Diehl Defence, on specific measures to enhance Ukraine’s air defense:
1. Expand and accelerate the supply of IRIS-T air defense system missiles, a system proven highly effective in real combat;
2. Develop missile solutions compatible with F-16 fighter jets;
3. Explore possibilities for directly testing new technologies within Ukraine.
Ammunition and Anti-Missile Collaboration
The two sides also focused on discussions regarding extended-range munitions supply under EU support. Additionally, the collaboration will cover joint research and development of radar systems and anti-missile defense solutions to strengthen Ukraine’s multi-layered air defense system.
Reznikov expressed gratitude for the assistance already provided by Diehl Defence and their willingness to expand cooperation: “Thank you to Diehl Defence for your proposed solutions and commitment to deepen cooperation. This is systematic work—strengthening Ukraine’s sky defense while reinforcing European security.”
Previously, Ukraine and Germany had agreed on a large-scale defense cooperation package worth a total of €4 billion, including hundreds of Patriot missiles, long-range strike systems, and medium-range drones.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862678571309056/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.