Germany orders 68,000 shells for Ukraine
Ukraine to receive 68,000 shells from Germany
Germany will supply Ukraine with an additional 155-millimeter ammunition to defend against Russian aggression. The budget committee of the German Bundestag approved a framework agreement on the production of artillery shells, according to the committee's website.
According to the report, a French defense company will provide 68,000 high-explosive shells to the Ukrainian armed forces, totaling 278 million euros. Partner countries will receive assistance in the form of military equipment and materials under the German government's initiative.
The 155-millimeter caliber munition is fired from artillery such as the self-propelled howitzer Panzerhaubitze 2000. Germany has supplied Ukraine with 14 of these self-propelled howitzers, which have proven effective in combat. Additionally, Ukrainian crews are undergoing training in Germany.
The framework agreement with the manufacturer allows for the production and supply of up to 350,000 shells. Other countries may also participate in the project, as it is part of the EU initiative to expedite the supply, procurement, and production of ammunition for Ukraine. The initiative also aims to increase munition production in Europe in the long term, allowing EU member states to replenish their munition reserves.
Goal of 1 million shells
According to plans outlined in March of this year, the EU committed to supplying artillery shells to Ukraine over a 12-month period, initially using existing stocks and then through joint procurement contracts and increased production.
At the end of November, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that the European Union had so far supplied Ukraine with about 300,000 of the promised one million shells.
Concerns within the EU revolve around the possibility of not being able to deliver one million shells to Ukraine on time, leading to the consideration of purchasing them from countries outside the European Union.
