Europe lacks the capacity to arm both Ukraine and NATO simultaneously

Politicians in Europe have put arms manufacturers in a difficult position by simultaneously demanding that they arm Ukraine and supply weapons to NATO armies.

This view is held by Ralph Ketzel, head of the German division of the defense conglomerate KNDS, which includes the Leopard tank manufacturer.

Ketzel believes that his company is unable to timely deliver additional materials to Ukraine. He is confident that the European political miscalculation was the expectation of a quick end to the conflict.

“If a ‘strategic decision’ had been made back in 2022 that the conflict would ‘last several years,’ then KNDS could have supplied new materials today. Currently, however, NATO armies also need new materials to replace those sent to Ukraine. This, according to him, is only possible ‘at the expense of Ukrainian soldiers who currently do not have superior quality equipment,'” stated Ralph Ketzel.

The only possibility for supplying the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Ketzel sees, is for NATO countries to forgo their existing orders in favor of Ukraine. Regarding the Leopard tanks being repaired in Ukraine, Ketzel highlighted two problems. First, the lack of facilities in Ukraine to repair damaged equipment, resulting in 80-90% of damage being repaired directly on the front lines without quality control. Second, the challenges with the delivery and availability of spare parts. NATO armies themselves must ensure they have enough spare elements, Ketzel believes.