Ukrainian Panzerhaubitze 2000 to be repaired in Slovakia – Spiegel

Germany is considering repairing the transferred to Ukraine Panzerhaubitze 2000 in Slovakia, since such work in Poland is currently impossible.

Spiegel reported about this.

It is noted that Germany and the Netherlands handed over to Ukraine 22 self-propelled guns, which are constantly used at the front. One in three machines needs repair already.

The German government worked with the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) manufacturer to create a repair center in Poland near the Ukrainian border.

But these plans could not be implemented, as Poland insists that this repair be handled by its state-owned company PGZ. And to carry out the work, the company must receive confidential information from the manufacturer regarding Panzerhaubitze 2000.

According to the industry representatives, this is impossible due to competition in the market. So KMW and the German Ministry of Defense are negotiating with Slovakia to deploy a repair base there.

It is emphasized that the weapons of other manufacturers, such as Diehl, FFG or the French Nexter arms group, which produce CAESAR self-propelled guns, could subsequently also be serviced in Slovakia.

It is planned that the center will begin work before the end of the year. The deployment of such repair facilities has a long-term perspective, as Ukraine is increasing the number of Western weapons that will require repair.

The publication also notes that Ukraine is interested in more self-propelled howitzers Panzerhaubitze 2000.

It is worth reminding that the German government has approved the production of 100 self-propelled guns, some of which will be funded by Germany and other NATO member states and delivered to Ukraine. The duration of this contract is several years.

It should also be recalled that part of the Ukrainian Panzerhaubitze 2000 has already left for repair in Lithuania.

Presumably, the Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled systems will undergo repairs at Lithuania Defense Services (LDS).

This system for the repair and maintenance of military equipment was created by the German companies Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann in June this year. The enterprise is located in the central part of Lithuania.

The company is capable of servicing armored vehicles Boxer, PUMA, BREM Bergepanzer, various versions of Leopard-2 tanks and 155-mm Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzers.