Sensational news and political noise are being caused in Germany by the blunder of Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who, according to a report by Bild, inadvertently revealed that the ultra modern German self propelled howitzers RCH 155 are already in Ukraine.
The statement of the German minister during his visit to the facilities of KNDS in Kassel is considered to have broken the silence of Berlin until now regarding these specific weapon deliveries, opening a new cycle of discussion about the transparency of German military assistance to Kyiv.
Specifically, the Defense Minister of Germany, Boris Pistorius, allegedly revealed information that was considered classified regarding the delivery of self propelled howitzers RCH 155 to Ukraine, according to a report by the German newspaper Bild.
As noted by the newspaper, German authorities had not until today officially confirmed that these specific weapon systems have already been delivered to Kyiv. It was only known that Ukrainian military personnel were training in Germany for their use.
The deployment of RCH 155 in Ukraine was until today considered particularly sensitive information, as it concerns one of the most modern artillery systems possessed by Germany.
The vehicle, manufactured by the German company KNDS Deutschland, is based on a wheeled Boxer chassis and is considered one of the most advanced self propelled guns globally.
Its range can exceed 40 kilometers, while it features high mobility, allowing rapid movement after firing to avoid enemy strikes.
Germany kept a low profile on deliveries
Until the reference by Pistorius, Berlin avoided making public details regarding the exact timing of delivery and operational utilization of the RCH 155 in Ukraine.
The German government had announced the procurement of the systems as part of military support for Kyiv, but information about their arrival and use on the battlefield remained limited.
The statement that sparked reactions
During his visit to the facilities of the company KNDS in Kassel, Pistorius stated that «the wheeled howitzer has proven its worth in Ukraine».
According to Bild, this specific wording implies that the system is already in Ukraine and is likely being used operationally.
«About two years ago, the first wheeled howitzer sent to Ukraine was right where you are standing now», mentioned the German minister.
The newspaper estimates that with this statement Pistorius revealed that the weapon system has been delivered for quite some time, without, however, clarifying whether it has been used in combat.
One of the most advanced European howitzers
The RCH 155 is considered one of the most advanced self propelled artillery systems in the world.
It is based on the turret of the German PzH 2000 and is mounted on a high mobility wheeled vehicle.
Among its key features are 1) capability of firing on the move with high precision, 2) simultaneous target engagement and search for the next target, 3) rate of fire of up to nine rounds per minute, 4) increased mobility compared to tracked systems.
New discussions on German military assistance
The report brings back to the forefront the discussion around the extent and transparency of German military assistance to Ukraine. The government of Berlin has from time to time faced criticism both for delays in weapon system deliveries and for limited public release of operational details.
So far, the German Ministry of Defense has not commented on the Bild report nor officially confirmed the number of RCH 155 located in Ukraine or their operational use status.
www.bankingnews.gr
Readers’ Comments