Germany is set to substantially upgrade Ukraine’s artillery capabilities by sending a prototype artillery shell capable of striking targets up to 100 kilometers, more than tripling the reach of Ukraine’s existing arsenal. This strategic move comes amidst a larger military aid package that Germany has pledged to Ukraine, showcasing Berlin’s increasing involvement in the conflict.
The prototype munitions, reported by the German newspaper Handelsblatt, signify a significant leap in the firepower available to Ukrainian forces, greatly expanding their operational range. Currently, Ukrainian artillery relies on conventional 155mm rounds, which, when fired from a howitzer, have an approximate reach of 32 kilometers (20 miles), as per the Associated Press.
Details surrounding the innovative prototype ammunition remain undisclosed, with Rheinmetall, Germany’s largest arms manufacturer and the producer of the rounds, refraining from commenting further to protect Ukraine’s security interests. This technological advance in military hardware reflects a concerted effort by Rheinmetall to intensify artillery support for Ukraine, planning to dispatch hundreds of thousands of rounds—including units of the new prototype—within the upcoming year.
The German contribution to Ukraine’s defense thus far includes the Vulcano, a munition with a range of up to 70 kilometers (43 miles), and its guided version boasting high compatibility with existing artillery systems. The quantity delivered to Ukraine remains unconfirmed, but it underscores Germany’s commitment to enhancing Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities.
Rheinmetall’s production, which stood at 70,000 rounds annually before the conflict, is anticipated to surge to 700,000 rounds this year, as per Handelsblatt reports. This ramp-up would mark a stark escalation in the ammunition supplied to Ukraine by Germany, which, by late April, had sent a total of 81,500 155mm rounds.
The Ukrainian military’s daily consumption of artillery rounds is estimated between 6,000 to 8,000, highlighting the significant demand for munitions. However, Rheinmetall’s future production capacity and the delivery of additional prototype rounds may hinge on further investment from the German government, as emphasized by Rheinmetall’s CEO Armin Papperger.
Germany’s military aid to Ukraine has already included a $5.3 million package, which encompasses 10,000 artillery rounds from its own stocks, as reported by Politico. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has been cautious in escalating military assistance to Ukraine, has faced growing pressure to match the contributions of other Western nations. Scholz’s government has recently consented to the transfer of Leopard tanks to Ukraine after significant international advocacy, and there are ongoing calls for Germany to join the UK and France in supplying long-range cruise missiles.
Relevant articles:
– Ukraine is getting a prototype artillery shell that can strike 3 times as far as regular rounds: report, Business Insider, 05/09/2024
– Ukraine gets a prototype artillery shell that can shoot three times as far as regular shells: report, The Bharat Express News, 05/08/2024