Two Ukrainian artillery commanders, who have been using these howitzers in combat for almost two years, described the spare parts situation as “catastrophic”. This includes the German self-propelled howitzer Panzerhaubitze 2000.
“It’s a great system, but it wears out a lot.” After a while, we reported that the gun barrels needed to be replaced…but the replacement is slow, partly due to shortages,” said one artilleryman.
Bild reports that Germany is supplying only a limited number of tubes, focusing mainly on the urgent need to repair some of Ukraine’s self-propelled howitzers. But Ukrainian artillerymen stress that the barrels are not the only problem – other components need to be replaced, but bureaucratic delays have slowed purchases, as only certain parts are allowed to be used.
Marcus Faber, head of the Bundestag’s defense committee, expressed his disappointment at the situation. “It’s absurd that more systems are down because of a lack of spare parts than because of enemy fire,” he said.
Mr. Faber welcomed this year’s intentions to deliver more howitzers to Ukraine, but stressed that timely delivery of spare parts would have allowed Ukraine to use more systems for its defense.
September 4 reports emerged that Germany plans to transfer 12 more PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine, Defense Express reminds.
2024-09-11 17:01:32