File image.
On August 19, Germany announced a new military aid package to Ukraine, including guided rockets and long-range artillery projectiles.
Germany opposed providing Ukraine with lethal aid in the past. Nevertheless, after the start of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine, Germany rose to became one of the top military backers of Kiev forces. In spite of this, Berlin faced some serious criticism in the last few weeks for not shipping enough weapons to Ukraine.
In a statement, the German Ministry of Defense listed the weapons and military equipment which will be supplied to Ukraine as a part of the new aid package as follows:
- 20 rocket launchers 70mm on pick-up trucks with 2,000 rockets and laser target designators;
- 1,592 projectiles 155mm;
- 255 Vulcano projectiles 155mm;
- 60,200 rounds ammunition 40mm;
- 6 lift trucks;
- 40 frequency range extensions for anti-drone devices;
- 12 armoured recovery vehicles;
- 30 MG3 for armoured recovery vehicles.
The ministry didn’t specify the type of the 70 mm laser-guided rockets which be supplied to Ukraine. However, experts speculated that it could be Thales FZ275 LGR rockets with Arnold Defense Land-LGR4 Fletcher launchers.
The FZ275 LGR rocket, which is guided by semi-active laser, has a maximum range of eight kilometers and is armed with a 4.1 kg high-explosive warhead.
Thales FZ275 2.75-inch rocket loaded in an Arnold Defense FLETCHER launcher – © Arnold
It is also still unclear if the Vulcano 155 mm projectiles which will be provided to Ukraine will be guided or unguided. Leonardo manufactures two 155 mm versions of the Vulcano, the Ballistic Extended Range, which has a range of up to 50 kilometers, and the Guided Long Range, which is guided with GPS and has a range of 80 kilometers. Kiev forces will likely fire the projectile from its newly-acquired Panzerhaubitze 2000 155 mm self-propelled howitzers.
Leonardo’s Vulcano 155 mm projectile – © Leonardo
Germany says that it has increased its military, humanitarian and financial assistance to Ukraine to EUR 4 billion since the start of the Russian special military operation.
The military support provided by Germany and other NATO states to Kiev forces have only prolonged the conflict in Ukraine. The Russian military and its allies are still advancing in the Donbass despite the fierce resistance of Kiev.
