Spiegel: Germany is in secret talks with India about shells for Ukraine

26 February, 2024 155mm artillery rounds. Photo credits: Brian E. Christiansen/Flickr

German officials hold secret talks with India on the purchase of artillery shells for Ukraine. The German publication Spiegel reported on this. The possibility of purchasing ammunition through intermediaries is being considered.

According to the newspaper's sources, India has several hundred thousand artillery munitions in storage. However, the Indian government is reluctant to openly sell its missiles because New Delhi still maintains friendly relations with Moscow.

Production of DM121 155mm artillery shells. Photo credits: Rheinmetall

Therefore, covert negotiations are underway on how to obtain this ammunition through intermediaries.

It is possible that such agreements are also possible with Arab countries, some of which have large reserves. According to the experts interviewed by journalists of the German edition, there are also states in the Balkans and Africa that have stockpiles of shells or can produce the ammunition Ukraine needs. Recently, the German government approved EUR1.13 billion military aid.

The aid package will include 36 self-propelled tracked and wheeled howitzers, air defense systems and ammunition.

PzH 2000 and RCH 155 self-propelled guns

It also includes crew training, spare parts and ammunition for artillery systems.

In particular, as part of this package, Germany will also transfer 122 mm Soviet-era artillery shells to Ukraine for the first time.

In 2024, 120,000 of these munitions are to be delivered.