MESEBERG (dpa-AFX) – The federal government continues to examine the delivery of heavy artillery pieces from the stocks of the Bundeswehr to Ukraine. Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD) said on Wednesday at the sidelines of the cabinet meeting at Schloss Meseberg near Berlin that it was being discussed whether the delivery of five anti-tank howitzers 2000 planned by the Netherlands could be increased. The Bundeswehr has around 100 howitzers, of which around 40 are operational. According to dpa information, seven of these are suitable for delivery to Ukraine. The decision has not yet been made, said Lambrecht.
It has already been decided that the Bundeswehr will teach Ukrainian soldiers how to operate artillery pieces in Idar-Oberstein in Rhineland-Palatinate. Last week, the federal government approved the export of heavy weapons directly from Germany for the first time. Ukraine will initially receive 50 Gepard anti-aircraft tanks. The self-propelled howitzers are heavy artillery pieces that can shoot 40 kilometers. The delivery of western-style main battle tanks such as the Leopard from Germany to Ukraine has not yet been planned./mfi/DP/jha