Air defence systems deployed to Ukraine leave Berlin unprotected—arms manufacturer

(RT) ⸻ Germany is sending two air defense systems to Kiev in a move that may leave Berlin unprotected, according to Armin Papperger, the CEO of leading German military contractor Rheinmetall. The two systems, Skynex and Skyranger, cost around €200 million ($212 million) and will be sent to Kiev within the year. On Saturday, thousands of protesters rallied in the German capital, calling for Chancellor Olaf Scholz to "stop the escalation in weapons deliveries." Germany also pledged Western-made tanks to Ukraine in late January, promising 14 of its Leopard 2 tanks and pledging to work with partners to create two armored battalions containing 30 tanks each. Denmark opted in January to send its 19 French-made Caesar howitzer artillery systems to Kiev, compromising its own defensive capabilities. NATO nations have cautioned that providing Kiev with military aid will not change the course of the conflict, and will instead "prolong the suffering of the Ukrainian people."