German newspapers WDR, NDR, and Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) have jointly published a transcript of a speech by the Deputy Military Attaché of Germany in Ukraine, delivered on January 30, 2025, at the Bundeswehr NCO School near Delitzsch, Saxony.
The speech focused on lessons drawn from the use of German weapons by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the ongoing war against russia, and the issues it highlighted were quite insightful.
Read more: Ukrainian Artillerymen About PzH 2000: Vacuum Cleaner, Tender Electronics and the "Tenacious Enemy" of this Howitzer
Defense Express points out some of the key points one might find surprising. For example, the Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH 2000) self-propelled gun is described as having "such a high technical vulnerability that its suitability for war is strongly questioned." Frequent issues include barrel overheating and electronic failures.
Meanwhile, the Leopard 1A5 tank is praised for its reliability but is "often only used as a makeshift artillery due to weak armor." The Leopard 2A6, although more modern, is expensive to repair and often has difficulties in receiving repairs near the front line.
The IRIS-T air defense system is regarded as highly effective, however, missiles are costly and in short supply. A completely unexpected criticism is directed towards the Patriot missile defense system: though an "excellent weapon," it's effectively "unsuitable for war use because the carrier vehicle is too old and it's no longer possible to supply spare parts from the manufacturer."
In contrast, the Gepard air defense system is highlighted as a reliable and cost-effective platform. Similarly, the Marder infantry fighting vehicle is characterized as simple and widely appreciated.
However, the overarching conclusion is that "hardly any large German equipment is fully suitable for war," with the primary issue being the feasibility of repairs in the field.
Noteworthy, in their assessment, the German military tried to extrapolate Ukrainian experiences of dealing with field repair problems to their own realities, particularly by reviewing the placement of rear maintenance hubs.
Also, while this speech does not comprehensively represent Bundeswehr's reevaluation of domestic combat systems based on their performance in the Ukraine-russia war, it still illustrates an interesting shift in priorities — from firepower to sustainability.
"We need both: mass and high-tech," said retired Bundeswehr General Hans-Lothar Domröse, an expert asked by the German media outlet.
Read more: Inspired by Ukraine, Germany Explores Surface Drones as a Potential Replacement for K130 Corvettes
