Germany will send an additional 12 Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH 2000) 155mm self-propelled howitzers (SPH) to Ukraine over the next 15 months, boosting the number provided to Kyiv to 30 as Berlin continues its steady provision of military equipment.
Announced on 9 September 2024, the German government stated that it would continue to supply Ukraine on an “ongoing basis”, with a new security package planned to deliver six PzH 2000 SPHs before the end of 2024, with a further six following in 2025.
A spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Defence subsequently informed Army Technology that the 12 SPHs were obtained “from industry”, rather than being drawn from Bundeswehr’s inventory.
“The 12 [PzH 2000s] are in addition to the 18 PzH 2000 and 36 RCH155 already announced,” the spokesperson said.
Developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), the PzH 2000 SPH was first delivered to the German military in 1998, although the number in service has dramatically reduced to as low as eight units at present, according to GlobalData analysis.
The Greek Army has 24 systems, delivered between July 2003 and June 2004, with 70 units also delivered to Italy, and 38 PzH 2000s provided to the Netherlands.
Nato allies show differing provision preferences
The decision by Germany to reach out to industry for the supply of military platforms to Ukraine in this instance contrasts with the usual practice of drawing straight from existing inventories.
In opting to head to industry for the latest batch of PzH 2000 155mm artillery for Ukraine, it could indicate that Gemany’s PzH 2000 inventory at a significantly reduced state. Alternatively, it could be that Germany is seeking maintain a viable Pz 2000 fleet.
The spokesperson for the German Federal Ministry of Defence declined to state how many PzH 2000 SPHs remain in Germany’s inventory.
Elsewhere, the UK has donated much of its 155mm artillery to Ukraine, leaving large gap in the British Army’s ability to conduct long range fires.
As reported by Army Technology in July 2024, Nato member states and other allies have provided between 805 to 947 artillery or multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) to Ukraine since February 2022.
This ranges from 105mm vehicle drawn short-range tactical platforms such as the L118 light gun, medium range 155mm artillery, through to long-range MLRS such as the HIMARS or M270 systems.
