Ukrainian soldiers are expressing mounting frustration regarding the performance of several weapon systems supplied by Germany, leading to concerns about their battlefield reliability. Internal military documents from Germany, acquired by Der Spiegel, reveal multiple technical issues that have rendered these weapons poorly suited for high-intensity conflict.
One significant point of concern is the Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzer. Although it has been lauded as an “excellent” system in theory, reports indicate it suffers from “high technical vulnerability,” detracting from its combat reliability. This finding has raised alarms about its effectiveness in the ongoing conflict.
In addition to the howitzer, the older Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks are reportedly utilized only in limited capacities, often repurposed as makeshift artillery due to their insufficient armor protection. The situation is exacerbated with the newer Leopard 2A6 tanks, which require extensive maintenance. Ukrainian troops have noted that rapid repairs near the frontlines are nearly impossible, raising questions about the pragmatism of deploying such complex machinery in active combat scenarios.
These observations were articulated during a presentation by the deputy military attaché of the German Embassy in Kyiv, which was attended by approximately 200 junior officers from the Bundeswehr. The feedback provided a mixed picture of the performance of the German systems in the field.
While many of the systems faced criticism, not all German-supplied weapons performed poorly. The IRIS-T air defense system earned high marks for its combat effectiveness, although its operational value has been compromised due to high ammunition costs and limited availability. The Patriot air defense system also received mixed feedback; while it is considered fundamentally sound, it has been described as “unsuitable” for wartime deployment, largely due to aging carrier vehicles and a lack of spare parts.
Further complicating matters, Ukrainian forces indicated that the MARS II multiple rocket launcher was only “partially usable,” primarily because it could not deploy its US-provided cluster munitions effectively on the frontline.
Amid the criticism, one system stood out in terms of performance: the Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft gun. Ukrainian troops regarded it as the “most popular, efficient, and reliable” weapon in their arsenal. Despite being decommissioned in Germany, many units supplied to Ukraine were reactivated or sourced from other countries, contributing to its success on the battlefield.
As Ukrainian forces navigate the complexities of utilizing foreign-supplied weaponry, the disparities in performance underscore the challenges of relying on mixed military assets in a high-stakes conflict. The ongoing analysis and feedback may influence future assistance and equipment decisions from allied nations in support of Ukraine’s defense efforts.
