The war in Ukraine has shown that German weapons are “only partially effective” – Der Spiegel

The war in Ukraine has shown that German weapons are “only partially suitable” for combat.

This was reported by Der Spiegel, citing an internal document from the German Bundeswehr.

In the document, the Deputy Military Attaché at the German Embassy in Kyiv reports that Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines are experiencing serious difficulties with the supplied weapons systems, including air defense systems, tanks, and artillery.

For example, he concluded that the Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzer shows “such a high degree of technical vulnerability that its suitability for warfare is seriously in question.”

The Leopard 1A5 main battle tank has proven to be “reliable” on the front line, but is often used by Ukrainians “only as improvised artillery due to its weak armor.” Repairing the more modern Leopard 2A6 is so expensive that it is often impossible to do so on the front lines.

The IRIS-T air defense system performed effectively, but the cost of its munitions was too high, and “they were not available in the necessary quantities.” The American Patriot system, in turn, was called an “excellent weapon system” but “unsuitable for military use” because the MAN-made transport vehicles are outdated and spare parts for them are no longer produced.

On the other hand, the old Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, already retired from service in Germany, has proven itself well. It became “the most popular, effective, and reliable weapons system” for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The MARS multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) is “a game changer on the battlefield” due to its long range but is only “partially suitable,” as it cannot fire American cluster munitions.

Summary of the report: “Hardly any major German piece of equipment is fully suitable for warfare.”