The rocket-launcher system is part of Berlin’s latest weapons transfer to Kiev.
The third in a batch of Mars-II multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) from Germany has arrived in Ukraine, the country’s Defense Minister Alexey Reznikov announced on Twitter on Monday.
“Third brother in the Long Hand family – MLRS MARS II from Germany – has arrived in Ukraine. These systems are a tribute to Germany, and to Christine Lambrecht personally. Our artillerymen salute our German partners!”The minister tweets
Mars-II, a modified version of the US-made MLRS M270 multi-rocket launcher is developed by France, Germany and Italy. According to the German company KMW, one of the system’s producers, the Mars-II is capable of firing up to 12 missiles per minute with a range of over 70 kilometers. This missile can be guided with a GPS receiver or mine-ejecting weapons.
Berlin has confirmed shipment of rocket systems to Ukraine last week. Also included were three PzH 2000 self propelled howitzers. Totaling ten of these pieces of equipment. In her remarks last week on the subject, German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht also spoke of five self-propelled ‘Gepard’ anti-aircraft guns, whereas Berlin had previously promised at least 30. Kyiv has confirmed that it will receive three, as well as the other two. “tens of thousands of rounds”Munition
Berlin also pledged a Cobra-type artillery radar for Ukraine. This was to be delivered in September. Lambrecht says that Kiev had already signed the contract and the troops are ready to train. “this highly complex system.”
Media reports suggest that Ukrainian soldiers should have also begun training on the Iris-T SLM anti-aircraft missile system, which is Germany’s most advanced air-defense system. That announcement had earlier caused confusion because Germany’s armed forces reportedly do not have a ground-based version of the Iris-T themselves. According to reports Kiev would receive the system by November.
German officials were criticised for what they deemed to be a lackluster support of Ukraine’s military forces despite the delivery. Criticisms have also criticized Berlin for not being willing to ship military supplies, and have criticised slow delivery. The head of the Bundestag’s defense committee, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, took aim at German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s office over this issue.
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German leadership has been blamed for the slowdown in Ukraine aid
“The narrowest point that slows down Germany’s military commitment is, for whatever reason, the chancellery,”The MP for the Free Democratic Party (FDP said this in an interview that was published by the Bayern media group on Saturday.
For her part, Defense Minister Lambrecht has said repeatedly that Germany’s military stocks are limited, which might explain any discrepancies.
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