Germany to Hand Over Additional 12 PzH-2000s to Ukraine

6 September, 2024 PzH-2000/Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled gun of the Hungarian military. August 2022. Hungary.

Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Hungary Germany will provide Ukraine with 12 additional PzH-2000 self-propelled howitzers in 2024-2025. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated this during the 24th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in the Ramstein format.

"We will be able to continue our support until 2026," the Minister emphasized at the 24th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in the Ramstein format at the U.S. base in Ramstein. In order to strengthen the combat capabilities of Ukrainian troops on the ground, Germany wants to supply Ukraine with additional Pzh 2000 self-propelled howitzers. According to Pistorius, six self-propelled artillery systems are to be delivered to the Ukrainian military this year.

Another six self-propelled howitzers are due to arrive next year.

PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer of the 26th Artillery Brigade near Bakhmut. October 2022. Ukraine.

Frame from the Al Jazeera video

The total value of this delivery is EUR150 million. Previously, the transfer of 18 Pzh 2000 self-propelled howitzers was announced, to be delivered in 2026-2027. The new assistance package brings to 30 the total number of self-propelled howitzers planned for future transfer.

So far, Ukraine has received 14 such self-propelled artillery systems from Germany and the Netherlands.

PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers of the armed forces of the Netherlands and Germany at a joint exercise

In early June 2024, it became known that the production of Pzh-2000 self-propelled howitzers had resumed. Production will take place at the KNDS Deutschland plant in Kassel. Sources of the defense outlet Shephard Media reported that the manufacturer had received contracts for a total of 22 artillery systems with the possibility of supplying six more units.

"There are plans to purchase additional PzH 2000s, in addition to the orders already received," the source said. And in May 2024, it became known that an unnamed customer ordered a large batch of barrels for PzH 2000 artillery systems from Rheinmetall. The German company said that the classified European country ordered a "three-digit number" of barrels.

The first L52 barrels for the Panzerhaubitze 2000 (RzH 2000) self-propelled howitzer will be delivered to the customer this year.