In the context of a new meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group at the Ramstein Air Base, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has confirmed that Germany will transfer a new batch of 12 PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, adding to the recent announcement of sending 36 RCH-155 systems. This constitutes an assistance package worth 150 million euros.
Specifically, the German defense minister’s announcement highlights that the deliveries are expected to begin this year, with around 6 PzH 2000s being sent initially, and the remaining 6 to be delivered early next year. This will bring the total number of PzH 2000 howitzers committed to Ukraine by Germany to 30, considering that the country already has 14 units from both Germany and the Netherlands. Minister Pistorius stated: “We will deliver twelve modern PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine. We will be able to continue our support until 2026.”
To recall some characteristics of the PzH 2000, it is a 155 mm caliber howitzer developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall, entering service with the Bundeswehr in the late 1990s. Also used by Italy and the Netherlands, the system is capable of maintaining a firing rate of 10 rounds per minute thanks to its automatic loading system, with a range of up to 60 kilometers when equipped with rocket-assisted projectiles.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that the Ramstein Conference this time includes the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which is quite unusual for such events. He has stated that he attended to highlight his country’s urgent need for air defense systems and long-range missiles to maintain pressure on Russian territory, urging allies to allow their use without any restrictions. Additionally, he called on European countries to accelerate the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to more effectively contest Russian air superiority, especially given the recent loss of the first aircraft out of the more than 90 pledged by European allies.
Cover image: Bundeswehr/Maximilian Schulz
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