According to the German media, many weapons systems provided Ukraine through Germany turns out to be unreliable on the battlefield. The papers received by the journalists Sueddeutsche Zeitung, NDR and WDR show that Ukrainian soldiers have serious objections to modern military equipment from Germany.
According to the relation of the German military attaché in Kiev, the most technologically advanced weapon, specified as the PzH 2000 cannonhaubica, the Iris-T air defence strategy or the Leopard 2A6 tank, is the worst. This equipment is frequently emergency, hard to repair and besides complicated to operate. Ukrainian soldiers complain about software problems, overheating barrels and deficiency of spare parts. In front conditions repairs last for weeks, which importantly reduces the combat value of these systems.
Older weapons are much better assessed, specified as the Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon or the Marder armored transporter. Although developed decades ago, these structures prove reliable and easier to use. The cheetah is large with Russian drones, and Marder, called a ‘front taxi’ by soldiers, collects praise for durability and usefulness.
These reports rise questions about the future of German investments in the arms industry. Should Ukraine, as a real test field for modern weapons, be treated as a benchmark? According to military parts, yes. Others, however, point out that Ukraine operates in highly hard conditions, frequently without appropriate training or service facilities.
The German defence minister Boris Pistorius expressed surprise at the reports and announced a conversation with the Ukrainian defence minister. He claims that he has not received any authoritative complaints about the quality of German equipment.
Ukrainian experience shows that in war realities reliability and ease of service frequently number more than advanced technology. This is an crucial signal to the German arms industry, but besides to its customers.
