German MP: Self-propelled artillery donated by Germany was largely damaged by Ukraine.

A recent visit to Ukraine by German MP Faber revealed that 10 of the 15 PzH 2000 self-propelled guns Kiev had been provided were damaged from overuse.

“The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense informed me that just 5 of the 15 PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers are operational. The Ukrainian army’s excessive use of them rather than Russian fire is what led to the collapse.” Marcus Faber, a German lawmaker, stated in an interview that was released on August 12—a few days after his travel to Ukraine.

The Ukrainian military, according to MP Faber, wants to get more parts for these self-propelled artillery systems because the Berlin-supplied spare parts are only adequate for minor battlefield repairs and Kiev lacks the specialised shops needed for substantial repairs.

He said that Ukraine requested Germany’s assistance in constructing repair facilities in the country, avoiding the risk of having to export PzH systems, and that they were “optimistic that it is possible to restore their combat readiness.”

The Ukrainian military and the German Ministry of Defense have not responded to the information.

Germany had been notified by the Ukrainian military that many PzH 2000 weapons had issues after prolonged usage. According to the German Ministry of Defense, the issue is caused by how quickly the cannon is firing, which interferes with its ability to reload.

At first, Germany resisted sending heavy weaponry to Ukraine. Berlin changed its position, though, after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz came under intense pressure from its Western partners to help Kiev militarily. Germany sent 10 PzH 2000 self-propelled guns to Ukraine, and the Netherlands sent 5.

The 155 mm calibre PzH 2000 self-propelled gun was created between 1987 and 1996, after which mass manufacture of the weapon began. With a quick fire rate of up to 9 rounds per minute, this weapon is regarded as one of the most potent artillery systems in existence.

The PzH 2000 can hold up to 60 rounds and has a range of 67 kilometres when using ammunition with a longer effective range. The self-propelled artillery complex has a 420 km range and can travel at a top speed of 67 km/h on smooth ground and 45 km/h on uneven terrain. There are 5 persons on the PzH 2000 crew.