Germany to finance production of over 500 drones in Ukraine

This is reported by Welt, Ukrinform saw.

"Representatives of the German government have signed the first contract to finance long-range weapons for Ukraine. These are over 500 long-range Antonov-196 (AN-196) drones," the report says.

The kamikaze drones will boast a flight range of 1,200 kilometers, carrying nearly 50kg worth of explosive charges, the outlet reported, citing its own sources. The drones will be manufactured over the coming months.

Ukraine already produces such weapons, the publication notes, adding that on Tuesday, An-196 again attacked targets deep inside Russia.

The report recalls that German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced the intensification of cooperation with Kyiv in the field of armaments during his first visit to Ukraine on Monday. The politician, who was accompanied by representatives of the German arms industry, not only vowed further military assistance, but also confirmed that cooperation between the two countries in the field of armaments would be expanded.

According to Wadephful, Germany will “further strengthen” its military support for Ukraine.

“That is why we have already agreed to strengthen our cooperation with the arms industry. We want to create new joint ventures so that Ukraine can produce more and faster for its own defense, because your needs are enormous,” said the minister, who visited Kyiv and Odesa.

It should be recalled that in late May, during the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Berlin, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the launch of a new form of military-industrial cooperation. Some media outlets wrongly reported that Germany would finance production of long-range missiles in Ukraine. In fact, this is about the production of drones.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Germany is already co-financing at least three projects for the production of drones in Ukraine.

Photo: screenshot