The German military orders additional artillery ammunition.
The German military's ammunition reserves are running low, prompting the Defense Ministry to place a large order with arms manufacturer Rheinmetall. This ammunition is largely intended for the army's artillery units.
Reports suggest that the ministry is planning to purchase significantly more artillery shells than initially anticipated. This is evidenced by a letter from the ministry to the Budget Committee of the Bundestag, which reveals plans to increase the existing Rheinmetall framework contract by over 200,000 155mm shells. These shells are primarily used by the Panzerhaubitze 2000 system.
The ministry's objective is to refill the almost depleted ammunition depots of the Bundeswehr. Additionally, they hope to establish a new production line for scarce artillery ammunition in Unterlüß, Lower Saxony, operated by Rheinmetall. By doing so, Germany could achieve autonomous production of these crucial munitions, thereby becoming independent of global supply chains.
This new production line aligns with the country's security interests; artillery ammunition produced in Germany falls outside of foreign restrictions. In the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where allies have struggled to find suppliers for high-calibre munitions, this development could help support the country's defense against Russian troops.
Supporters of Ukraine have attempted to secure artillery shells globally in recent months. Often, potential sellers declined to provide these shells as they didn't want to supply a nation in the midst of a war.
Last year, the Defense Ministry entered into a framework contract with Rheinmetall for a 1.3 billion euro ammunition provision to the Bundeswehr, with deliveries expected over the coming years. This latest order could result in the supply of hundreds of thousands of shells to the German army.
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The German Defense Ministry is expanding its partnership with Rheinmetall, aiming to increase the number of 155mm shells purchased under their existing framework contract. This move aligns with German defense policy, aiming to bolster the German Armed Forces' weapons inventory and potentially establish autonomous production of crucial ammunition within Germany.
The planned increase in artillery shells and potential new production line could contribute to Germany's self-sufficiency in weapons manufacturing, bypassing potential limitations from global supply chains, as observed in the conflict in Ukraine.
