According to Der Spiegel, Berlin has allowed a German firm to make as many as 100 self propelled howitzers in Ukraine.
German arms producer Krauss-Maffei Wegmann has reached a deal to supply Ukraine with 100 self-propelled howitzers. The paper reported that Berlin had approved the sale within two days.
KMW had asked Kiev if they could buy military equipment back in April. Der Spiegel stated that Kiev also requested this. “immediately”A relevant offer was made to Ukraine. On July 11, the German government issued a PzH2000 production license.
According to the company’s spokesman, the German Economy Ministry led by Robert Habeck greenlighted the sale just two days later on July 13, the newspaper reported. The spokesman also said the arms deal was worth €1.7 billion ($1.72 billion). This single contract’s value is nearly triple that of all arms Germany sent to Ukraine during the Russian military operations. Berlin’s military aid to Kiev has accounted for some €600 million ($607 million) to date, according to government data.
Kiev won’t get all artillery parts immediately, as KMW has to first make them. Der Spiegel reports that the production process will take many years even though KMW said they would start production. “immediately.”
Berlin did not confirm the agreement. Instead, the officials of government stated to the paper that they are not confirming approval. “in close contact” with the industry and international partners on the issue of Ukraine’s “long-term”Military needs. Der Spiegel reports that KMW has only been granted government authorization for the manufacture of the howitzers. Berlin must approve their separate sale once they’re ready, according to the newspaper.
Just a few days after Berlin sent another batch of heavy arms to Kiev, the news broke. Three Mars-II multiple-launch rocket system systems were included in the shipment, along with three PzH2000 howitzers, which came from the German Army’s stock. Christine Lambrecht, the Defense Minister, warned that army stockpiles are limited in order to ship weapons to Ukraine.
Kiev has also just received five of 30 self-propelled ‘Gepard’ anti-aircraft guns that have been promised by Berlin. They are scheduled to arrive at the end July or August.
Germany previously provided Ukrainian forces with thousands and thousands of antitank and air missiles, thousands, or even millions,of antitank mines as well many rounds of ammunition. But, even though the Ukrainian ex-ambassador to Germany has repeatedly criticised Berlin’s slow delivery pace and reluctance of sending military aid to Ukraine, Kiev and other former ambassadors to Germany continue to do so.
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