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Boris Pistorius visited a “small” air defense position to observe Ukraine’s counter-Shahed system in action

Boris Pistorius shakes hands with a Ukrainian service member.
Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius was shown how Ukraine’s air defense system protects the skies.

The German Defense Minister visited a “small” air defense position and an energy facility in Kyiv that had been targeted by Russian attacks.

"Small” air defense: countering Shahed drones, mobile fire groups, and new technologies.

The German delegation was shown how Ukraine’s sky protection system operates:

  • modern systems for countering Shahed-type drones;
  • mobile fire groups;
  • technologies that help intercept enemy targets.

For Ukraine, it was important to demonstrate this specifically to Germany. Last winter was one of the most difficult for our country — Russia nearly doubled the number of attacks. Over several months, the enemy launched more than 1,000 ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as 27,000 Shahed-type drones. The primary target was Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, aiming to trigger large-scale blackouts during temperatures as low as -20°C.

Ukraine endured thanks to its service members and the support of its partners.

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Germany is among the leaders in strengthening Ukraine’s air defense

Germany has become one of the key leaders in strengthening Ukraine’s air defense through:

  • missiles for Patriot systems;
  • financing for PURL;
  • launching an initiative for the urgent transfer of additional missiles from European stockpiles during the most critical winter period.

“Every such missile saved lives and helped protect Ukraine’s energy system,” emphasized Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, Mykhailo Fedorov.

According to the Minister of Defense, Ukraine is now intercepting around 90% of enemy drones and nearly 80% of cruise missiles.

“Ballistic missiles remain a difficult challenge, but together with Germany we are working on solutions — additional Patriot missiles, the PURL mechanism, and the creation of Europe’s own sovereign counter-ballistic capability,” said Mykhailo Fedorov.

As a reminder, Ukraine’s Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov and Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius signed a letter of intent in Kyiv to launch Brave Germany — a joint program for the development of defense technologies and support for innovative startups.

The initiative provides grant support for Ukrainian and German startups working on critically important areas of defense tech.

 

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