Germany readies IRIS‑T missiles, drones

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on September 2 that Germany is preparing a new military aid package for Ukraine, including air-defence systems that are due to arrive in September. He said the update came after a call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in which they also discussed what Zelenskyy described as a Russian attack on an airfield in Leipzig and Germany’s response. Separate reports published on September 2 said Berlin is preparing to send additional missiles for IRIS-T air-defence systems and several thousand attack drones, while also expanding intelligence cooperation with Kyiv. Those reports, citing sources in German government circles, were carried by UkrMedia and attributed to reporting by t-online and n-tv. Ukraine is pressing the request as European officials weigh fresh financing for air defence at a time when Patriot interceptor availability is tight. (en.interfax.com.ua) Ursula von der Leyen said the European Commission has received a new Ukrainian payment request covering air-defence needs, including Patriot systems. ### What exactly did Zelenskyy say Germany will deliver in September? Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the package being prepared by Germany includes “air defense packages” and will arrive in Ukraine in September. (ukrmedia.news) His statement did not list a full inventory, but it tied the delivery timeline directly to this month. Germany’s contribution appears to include both immediate air-defence support and follow-on unmanned systems. (en.interfax.com.ua) UkrMedia reported that Berlin is preparing additional IRIS-T missiles and several thousand attack drones in the near future, alongside deeper intelligence-service cooperation with Ukraine. ### Why are IRIS-T missiles and Patriot funding being discussed together? IRIS-T and Patriot address overlapping but different parts of Ukraine’s air-defence shortage. (en.interfax.com.ua) Germany’s reported package centers on IRIS-T missiles and drones, while Kyiv’s request to Brussels focuses on funding for Patriot-related needs, including PAC-3 interceptors. Euronews reported on September 2 that the European Union is weighing a multibillion-euro Ukrainian request for PAC-3 Patriot interceptors and hopes to approve funding as early as next week, even as Patriot stocks run low. (ukrmedia.news) Mezha, citing von der Leyen’s remarks, said the request concerns several billion euros for Ukraine’s air defence and would be considered by EU member states under the bloc’s €90 billion loan programme. ### How large is Ukraine’s current air-defence request? Kyiv Post reported on September 2 that Ukraine’s new defence minister, Khmara, told European counterparts the country urgently needs $27 billion, chiefly for air defences, before expected seasonal missile attacks intensify. The report said EU officials agreed on the need but made no immediate commitments. That request comes on top of earlier Ukrainian appeals for more interceptor missiles and anti-ballistic systems. (euronews.com) Interfax-Ukraine reported in August that von der Leyen said Ukraine urgently needed additional air-defence systems after a large Russian air strike, and that more EU funds would be provided after an initial €4 billion disbursement from the broader €90 billion programme. ### What is Brussels doing with Kyiv’s Patriot request now? (kyivpost.com) Ursula von der Leyen said on September 2 that the European Commission had received the new payment request and that it covers air-defence needs including Patriot systems. Interfax-Ukraine’s report did not specify an amount, but other reports said the request runs to several billion euros. Under the mechanism described by Mezha, EU member states must assess the request, and a special purchasing exception may be needed because PAC-3 missiles are made in the United States rather than in Europe. (en.interfax.com.ua) Euronews said Brussels hopes to move quickly, with approval possible as early as next week. ### What happens next in September? September is now the key month on three tracks. Germany’s new military aid package is due to reach Ukraine this month, according to Zelenskyy. (en.interfax.com.ua) EU governments are assessing Kyiv’s Patriot-related funding request under the €90 billion loan programme, and Euronews reported that a decision on fresh air-defence cash could come as early as next week. (en.interfax.com.ua) (mezha.net)