According to the report, the 14 PzH 2000 systems transferred by Germany to Ukraine had “unexpected problems”, with spare parts shortages due to oversights during procurement that jeopardized the combat effectiveness of the weapon.
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“The German Ministry of Defense failed to order enough spare parts in time to repair and properly maintain the howitzer,” the report said.
Spiegel writes that most howitzers are now in need of repair due to heavy use.
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“The shortage of spare parts is not surprising. The Bundeswehr Procurement Department has repeatedly warned the (Ministry of Defense) to order bulk shipments of parts for howitzers and the MARS II rocket artillery system.
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“The so-called (ministerial) Ukrainian headquarters has not yet issued a corresponding directive.”
On November 15th, Germany announced plans to open a maintenance center in Slovakia. This is to service the military equipment that Berlin provided to Ukraine.
Read the original article at Ukraine’s new voice