More self-propelled howitzers are expected to arrive in Ukraine. When currently the total number of PzH 2000 provided by Germany is 14 units and 5 more came from the Netherlands, now the officials say about 24 artillery systems.
The Head of the Defense and Security Committee of German parliament Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann said the number of PzH 2000 delivered to Ukraine was 24, as cited by Süddeutsche Zeitung.
Read more: How Ukrainian Artillerymen Use Western PzH 2000, CAESAR Self-Propelled Howitzers (Video)
The main question is, does she speak of the total number of these howitzers or only those sent by Germany. If 24 is the totality, then 5 more PzH 2000 systems are on their way; if the statement was only referring to supplies by Germany, then it means Berlin was preparing 10 additional artillery pieces for Ukraine.
We should note, the supply of more PzH 2000 is the only reasonable solution to the problem that these systems are used by Ukrainian forces so extensively they end up in repair, including full factory restoration. Only about 50% of the initial quantity still remains in service in Ukraine which, once again, increases the toll on the remaining systems.
She also noted that Ukraine should receive a new batch of six to seven Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns. Though this time Strack-Zimmermann might have meant the ones announced two weeks ago – the batch of military aid from Germany revealed on December 1st had seven Gepard systems included.
Besides, the official made a promising statement. Answering the question of whether Ukraine should be allowed supplies of Leopard 2 main battle tanks, she said
"It is urgently needed. There is no longer any reason not to do it."
As Defense Express earlier reported, the USA hinted to Germany it could supply Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks while German top officials always said they were looking back at the USA when it came to the tank supply question.
Read more: Germany Agrees to Provide Its RCH 155 Howitzers with Unmanned Turret
