Ramstein-10: Ukraine will be strengthened with tanks and anti-aircraft systems

Defense ministers summarized the results of the Ramstein-10 meeting, which was held online.

Oleksii Reznikov, Minister of Defense of Ukraine, announced its first results.

“Ramstein-10 inspires optimism: strengthening air defense, ammo supplies, trainings, and forming an “armored fist”,” Reznikov wrote.

He thanked US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for the outstanding leadership and also expressed his gratitude to “friends from the anti-Kremlin coalition for your willingness to stand with Ukraine until our victory.”

The next meeting of the partners is planned to be held at a German airbase in April. It will be timed to the anniversary of the work of the Contact Group on the Defense of Ukraine.

It is reported that prior to this meeting, Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov had a telephone conversation with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. The ministers discussed the needs of Ukraine.

Canada

Anita Anand, Canadian Defense Minister, announced the provision of a new military aid package to Ukraine.

Specifically, Canada will donate approximately 8,000 rounds of 155mm ammunition and 12 air defense missiles sourced from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) inventory to sustain the air defense systems currently deployed in Ukraine.

Ottawa will also donate more than 1,800 rounds of 105 mm tank training ammunition. This ammunition will support the donations of Leopard 1 tanks announced by Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands.

In addition, Canada started shipping the additional Leopard 2 main battle tanks pledged by Canada at the end of February, according to the Canadian Defence Minister. In total, the country committed to providing eight Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine.

“All eight Leopard 2 main battle tanks, as well as the previously announced armoured recovery vehicle, ancillary equipment, and ammunition donated by Canada, are expected to be in Ukraine in the coming weeks,” the Ministry said.

Sweden

According to the results of Ramstein-10, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin shared that Sweden officially announced its intention to supply 10 Leopard 2 tanks.

“Today we heard new information about the progress made and new commitments: Sweden announced that it will provide Ukraine with 10 Leopard tanks and key air defense components,” the US Secretary of Defense said.

Before the meeting, the Pentagon chief noted that the coalition of countries that transfer Leopard tanks continues to grow — 9 countries have so far pledged to provide more than 150 tanks. The number of countries providing air defense systems also continues to increase.

Norway is currently working with the US to transfer NASAMS systems to Ukraine. The Netherlands initiates new contracts to ensure the delivery of new weapons to the battlefield in Ukraine.

In addition, Slovenia announced a contribution that will help “to meet several priority needs of Ukraine, including armored vehicles.”

The Pentagon Head emphasized that this will be of decisive importance for Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty. However, in his opinion, for Ukraine to be able to protect its sovereign territory and its own citizens in the long term, these efforts must continue.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated during Ramstein-10 that the alliance and its members are working to transfer more air defense, armored vehicles, and ammunition to Ukraine.

As previously reported, at the end of February, it was reported that Ukraine’s air defense will receive IRIS-T and Hawk anti-aircraft missile systems from Sweden.