Germany has announced its first delivery of heavy weapons to Ukraine, Reuters reported.

German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said the government has approved the delivery of Gepard anti-aircraft tanks from KMW stockpiles.

“The real significance of this decision does not lie in the difference that Cheetahs can make on the battlefield, but in the signal it sends,” said Marcel Dirsus, a non-resident at the Institute for Security Policy at Kiel University.

“Europe’s largest economy is serious about supporting Ukraine and more aid is coming.”

The announcement of the Gepard deliveries came after reports that defense company Rheinmetall had requested permission from the government to supply Ukraine with 100 old Marder infantry fighting vehicles and 88 old Leopard 1A5 tanks.