Dusseldorf The federal government has apparently approved the sale of 100 self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine, paving the way for a 1.7 billion euro deal between Ukraine and the German armaments companies Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall. This was confirmed by industry circles to the Handelsblatt.
Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) apparently issued a manufacturing license for the “Panzerhaubitze2000” type systems in mid-July. “Spiegel” first reported on parts of the deal.
According to this, Ukraine asked in April whether the howitzers could be purchased directly from the manufacturer. A corresponding offer was then made. The production of the weapon systems should now start immediately.
The main part of the turnover is likely to be at KMW. Rheinmetall supplies parts such as the chassis of the combat vehicles. Ukraine would receive the first howitzers in 2024. In the current conflict, their use should therefore not play a role.
Top jobs of the day
Find the best jobs now and
be notified by email.
At the same time, Ukraine has agreed with Rheinmetall on the delivery of 10,000 rounds for already delivered howitzers from old Bundeswehr stocks, as the Handelsblatt also learned from industry circles. A double-digit million amount is due for this.
This is how the delivery should work
Delivery of the ammunition is scheduled to start this year and be completed by the middle of next year. In the years that follow, Ukraine is likely to purchase more than 30,000 rounds for the howitzers – each for a three-digit million amount.
Observers assume that Ukraine can better protect itself against Russian attacks with this ammunition. In addition, the proportion of Western weapon systems in the Ukrainian arsenal is increasing.
Ukraine has to pay for these orders. It also accepts international aid for this. However, there is no direct funding from the federal government. Germany would stick to its line of not arming Ukraine directly with modern weapons.