German Bundestag approves procurement of ammunition for Ukraine

On July 5, 2023, the budget committee of Germany’s Bundestag approved the procurement of additional ammunition for the Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzer, the Leopard 2 main battle tank and the Puma infantry fighting vehicle.

The relevant statement was made by the German Federal Ministry of Defence, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

According to the ministry, this way the Bundeswehr will cover its own needs, provide further support to Ukraine and replace the ammunition stocks that have already been sent to Kyiv.

“Russia’s attack on Ukraine has radically changed the security policy framework. This makes it necessary to procure additional ammunition – for the German armed forces, but also for the armed forces of Ukraine,” the ministry noted.

Ukraine is actively using the Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzers and the Leopard 2 main battle tanks and, thus, the need for 155 mm artillery shells for the howitzer and 120 mm shells for the main battle tank is also covered with Germany’s help.

Since the beginning of the war, Ukraine has received considerable amounts of ammunition from the Bundeswehr stocks to fight against Russian invaders but needs even more.

Every procurement project of the Bundeswehr with a volume of more than EUR 25 million must be approved by the budget committee of the Bundestag.