A EUR 278 million contract has been established with a French defence company to produce 68,000 high-explosive shells for the Ukrainian forces. While the German Defence Ministry has not officially named the ammunition manufacturer, sources indicate it is likely Nexter, a company of KNDS.
This endeavor is financed through the “Ertüchtigungstitel” in the federal budget, a component of the German government’s strategy to supply military equipment and materials to select partner nations.
According to the German Defence Ministry, the 155mm caliber ammunition is suitable for the Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzer. Germany has previously supplied 14 of these howitzers to Ukraine, where they have demonstrated their effectiveness in combat situations.
The contract with the manufacturer also incorporates an option to fabricate and deliver as many as 350,000 shells. This initiative is open to participation from other nations and is integral to the EU ammunition initiative. This broader effort aims to accelerate the provision, procurement, and production of ammunition for Ukraine, as well as to augment long-term European ammunition production to replenish the stocks of EU member states.
In a collaborative effort with the European defence industry, there is an ongoing push to boost ammunition production capabilities. Germany has pledged to extend its national framework agreements with the industry to include partner states, underscoring its commitment to collective defence and support for Ukraine.
