Germany Funds Replacement Panzerhaubitze 2000 Guns for Bundeswehr

The German government has moved to replenish the Bundeswehr by purchasing Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled artillery mounts after the guns were sent to Ukraine. Reports from Handelsblatt outline a framework agreement with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, the maker known for Leopard 2 tanks, covering the production and supply of up to 28 self-propelled howitzers. The initial order focuses on replacing ten of the artillery systems that were delivered to the Ukrainian side. The Bundestag budget committee, which must authorize the funding, has been briefed on the arrangement, with roughly 185 million euros involved, most of which is slated for payment in 2025. In February 2023, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius indicated plans to sign a contract within a month to replace weapons sent to Kiev with new ACS units for use by German forces. On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in response to requests for help from the leaders of the LPR and DPR, setting off a chain of sanctions from the United States and allies. This sequence of events has drawn sustained international attention, including coverage from various online outlets such as socialbites.ca.