Der Spiegel quoted on April 10 internal German military documents reporting that due to technical glitches, limited spare parts, and complex maintenance, Ukrainian frontline troops are struggling to handle several weapons systems provided by Germany.

The analysis cited a speech given in February by the deputy defense attaché of the German Embassy in Kyiv at a seminar in Drießen, attended by about 200 junior officers of the German Federal Armed Forces.

According to records, while some German systems have been praised in Ukraine, others have proven unsuitable for the harsh tests of high-intensity warfare.

The Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzer was described as "outstanding" in performance but is reportedly so technically sensitive that there are serious doubts about its suitability for combat.

Although the Leopard 1A5 is touted as "reliable," it is reported to be deployed more as a makeshift artillery piece due to insufficient armor. The more advanced Leopard 2A6, with its high maintenance costs and demanding logistical needs, cannot usually be repaired on the front line.

Ukrainian forces also face limitations in their air defense systems. While IRIS-T has proven effective, supplies are limited and ammunition costs are high.

It was reported that the American-made Patriot missile system, another key component of Ukraine's layered air defense system mainly supplied by Germany, performs poorly on the battlefield due to aging MAN transport vehicles, and spare parts are increasingly difficult to procure.

However, the Gepard anti-aircraft system stands out as the most successful German weapon deployed in Ukraine. Retired before the war and later reactivated or purchased from abroad, it was described in the lecture as the "most popular, effective, and reliable weapon" in the Ukrainian army.

Internal sources within the German Federal Armed Forces acknowledged that the comments of this defense attaché reflected the reality of the battlefield. Although German weapons are technologically advanced, they face extreme conditions when deployed in Ukraine, accelerating wear and tear.

The Ukrainian army, trained quickly in Germany, often lacks time for in-depth technical guidance, exacerbating logistical challenges.

Due to repair centers being far from the front lines and Ukraine's strained infrastructure, field maintenance has become a severe obstacle. Despite these challenges, Germany remains Ukraine's largest military donor in Europe.

With U.S. President Donald Trump continuing to advocate for reducing America's involvement in European security and exploring the restoration of relations with Russia, Germany's role is expected to expand further.

Friedrich Merz, the new German Chancellor, has pledged to rearm the country and increase defense spending, including modernizing the Bundeswehr through a 500 billion euro (544 billion USD) infrastructure fund.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1829094795699200/

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