The Netherlands will supply a “limited number” of Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled guns to Kyiv, the Dutch government announced on Tuesday, as Russian forces continue to occupy territory in eastern Ukraine.
These are the “heaviest” self-propelled guns available to the Dutch army, the Ministry of Defense explained. They can hit targets at a distance of up to 50 kilometers under all meteorological conditions.
Germany – where they are made – will guarantee the training of the Ukrainian military in their use and will supply ammunition.
“They are responding precisely to the needs of Ukraine at the moment,” Defense Minister Kaisa Olongren was quoted as saying by the Dutch news agency ANP.
The minister clarified, however, that the training of their crews will take “weeks, if not months”, while emphasizing that even after the war, these weapons will remain extremely important for the Ukrainian army.
“Preparation and training will not take place in Ukraine itself and will take some time. It is therefore not an immediate development “of self-propelled guns, her services explained in a press release they published.
However, there is a lot of criticism in the country for the surrender of the armor. The decision could reduce the Dutch military’s operational capabilities, according to Niels van Wunsel, president of the Dutch Officers’ Association.
Although the Netherlands does not need all the guns, “it is important for our own business capabilities to have them in stock,” Van Winsel told ANP.
The government has argued that the Dutch armed forces have “sufficient resources” and will not be affected by their operational capabilities.
For its part, Berlin will proceed with the supply of Flakpanzer Gepard anti-aircraft guns, German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht also announced at the US-organized summit at Ramstein Air Base in western Germany. This is a turning point in Berlin’s so far cautious approach to arms supplies to Ukraine. France has already announced that it will send Caesar guns, with a range of 40 kilometers. Britain will supply Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles and armor.
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