During a joint press conference in Berlin with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that Germany will finance the production of long-range missile systems in Ukraine.
According to the announcement, the defense ministers of both countries are expected to sign a memorandum outlining Germany’s financial commitment to support the manufacturing of long-range weapons systems in Ukraine. The agreement implies that Kyiv will be granted full autonomy in deploying these weapons, including strikes against military targets beyond Ukrainian territory.
Chancellor Merz emphasized that this initiative will mark a new chapter in German-Ukrainian defense industry cooperation. Missile production may take place in both Ukraine and Germany.
In response to ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine’s defense infrastructure, Berlin is also considering the delivery of additional Iris-T air defense systems. However, no further systems beyond those already pledged are expected before the late 2020s.
