Feedback still "very positive" - Rheinmetall boss admits losses of German weapons in Ukraine

 via N-TV.DE

Russia recently celebrated the destruction of a Leopard 2 tank in Ukraine. Losses of German weapons in Ukraine come as no surprise to the head of the Rheinmetall armaments group. Nevertheless, the quality of the systems has proven itself - and sometimes even surprises the manufacturers themselves.

The head of Germany's largest armaments group, Rheinmetall, Armin Papperger, has admitted losses in weapons systems that Germany supplied to Ukraine. At the same time, however, he praised their basic quality. "There are always losses in life," said Papperger in an interview with the editorial network Germany (RND), but one does not talk about it. In principle, the weapons systems developed and produced in Germany have proven themselves in the Ukraine, emphasized the armaments manager.

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The EU's promise to supply Ukraine with one million rounds of artillery ammunition for its defense against Russia within a year can only be fulfilled if governments fall back on their arsenals, said the Rheinmetall boss: "In the short term, Ukraine will have one million rounds of artillery ammunition only get if European armies make stocks available."

The industry is working flat out to increase production capacities, but Rheinmetall itself wants to increase its artillery ammunition capacity from the current 450,000 rounds to 600,000 rounds per year in the next few months, Papperger explained. "However, it will take six to ten years before all European ammunition depots are filled."

Here 

Two things.

1.  For some reason its apparent to me at least, that the Leopard 2 losses that the Turks suffered were ignored.  The losses in Ukraine can't be.  The Leopard has always had the reputation of being under armored when compared to the Abrams & Challenger and PERHAPS this proves this out.  Tactics count too and its certain that the Ukrainians used bad tactics.  We'' have to see what this war does to the tanks reputation.

2.  The issue with supplying Ukraine with weapons and ammo is shown for all to see.  The only people paying attention to this are people on the blog and defense chiefs.  This war is headed to the point where one will have to decide between Ukraine continuing the war and protecting your homeland.  It will be interesting to see how this plays out.  One thing is certain.  If the Middle East turns hot and Western action is needed there we will be strained to the max.  If China acts against Taiwan it will break our weapon supply.