The German defense minister made a surprise visit to Odessa and announced the deployment of the world’s most advanced anti-aircraft system to Ukraine.

Germany will deliver the first of four advanced IRIS-T anti-aircraft systems to Ukraine in the coming days to help defend against drone attacks, German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said during an unannounced visit to Odessa on Saturday. Reuters.

As anti-aircraft sirens sounded in the port city, Lambrecht held talks with his Ukrainian counterpart, Oleksii Reznikov, in an underground bunker. Lambrecht extended his visit to attend the meeting from the Republic of Moldova.

“In a few days we will deliver the most modern IRIS-T anti-aircraft system,” he told ARD television. “This is particularly important for defense against drones.”

German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht extended her visit from the Republic of Moldova to participate in a meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov. Photo by Profimedia

Ukraine has come under attack by Iranian-made kamikaze drones in recent weeks, causing loss of life and severe damage to infrastructure.

Berlin has been considering deploying the IRIS-T surface-to-air defense system since May, which would cost 150 million euros each.

The German armed forces do not yet have this system, which is considered the most advanced in the world.

Earlier, in a meeting with his Moldovan counterpart Anatoly Nozati in Chisinau, he urged the West not to be deterred by Russia’s threats to arm Ukraine, which Moscow has said could use nuclear weapons.

“We have to be very careful,” he said. “But we must not allow ourselves to be paralyzed.”

Germany is facing demands to increase its support for Ukraine, including sending offensive weapons such as modern tanks that Kiev says it needs to fight Russian forces.

Berlin has so far resisted such demands, arguing that such moves would escalate the situation and pointing out that no other country has yet sent more modern tanks than older Soviet stock sent by former Warsaw Pact nations.

Publisher: AC

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