More than planned: Germany allocates 120 Marder fighting vehicles to Ukraine
Illustrative photo (Photo: Getty Images)
Germany has allocated 120 infantry fighting vehicles Marder for Ukraine, some of which were purchased from Greece, according to the Ministry of Defense of Germany.
"Germany is supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russia. As the largest European sponsor and second-largest in the world after the US, our material donations include, among other things, state-of-the-art air defense systems, armored support vehicles, combat and armored personnel carriers, artillery systems, and ammunition," the statement reads.
The supplies come from both Bundeswehr warehouses and directly from the industry. Additionally, over 10,000 Ukrainian military personnel have received training in Germany.
The Ministry of Defense noted that initially, they allocated 80 infantry fighting vehicles Marder 1 A3 to Ukraine. Another 40 Marder armored vehicles came from industrial stocks. It's also stated that 40 IFVs were purchased from Greece.
Marder IFV
The Marder is a German infantry fighting vehicle developed by Rheinmetall from 1966 to 1969 at the request of the FRG Armed Forces. The first prototype was assembled in late 1969, and production continued until 1975. Around 2,000 combat vehicles were built.
During its service, the Marder exceeded its competitors in terms of protection. Since 2010, it has gradually been succeeded by the new Puma IFV.
Germany's Assistance to Ukraine
Germany has been one of Ukraine's key allies since the onset of full-scale aggression. Berlin has provided the Ukrainian Armed Forces with modern anti-aircraft missile systems IRIS-T, Patriot, Leopard 2 tanks, as well as the Marder infantry fighting vehicles.
Recently, Germany confirmed that it would double its military aid to Ukraine by 2024, amounting to 8 billion euros.
Moreover, Germany announced the allocation of a humanitarian aid package for Ukraine, including generators, blankets, and more.
