Overview
- Pistorius announced the pledge during the 32nd Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting held by video link.
- He said a large quantity would be provided in 2026 but gave no figures or delivery schedule.
- The move extends Germany’s 2025 support that included two Patriot systems and a ninth IRIS-T battery for Ukraine.
- The AIM-9 Sidewinder is an infrared-guided, short-range missile about three meters long with a roughly 10 kg warhead, reaching near Mach 3 and up to around 20 km.
- Earlier U.S.-supplied Sidewinders were adapted for surface-to-air use in Ukraine, setting a precedent for ground-launched employment of German stocks.