Pistorius unveiled the plan after talks with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The German defense minister said that the idea arose during the long wait for 61 billion dollars (more than 56 billion euros) in American aid for Ukraine. Congress approved the aid in April as part of a national security package.
Military responsibilities
“Time was of the essence,” Pistorius told reporters. “So we offered to acquire, pay for and deliver three systems from U.S. Army stockpiles.” The HIMARS missile system, manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corp., has proven effective against Russian supply routes and ammunition depots far behind the front lines.
In Washington, Pistorius tried to convey the message that Germany wants to take on greater military responsibilities, including in the defense industry. According to the German defense minister, Germany will spend the most on defense this year since the creation of the German armed forces after World War II.
