Germany’s newest military innovation could significantly impact Ukraine’s artillery capabilities. The country has created a prototype artillery shell with an impressive firing range of up to 62 miles — a substantial leap from the current 155 mm rounds that reach only 20 miles.
While most details about the prototype round remain confidential, German media reports indicate that Rheinmetall, the country’s largest arms manufacturer, will deploy these longer-range shells to Ukraine sometime in 2024. This move aims to enhance both Ukraine’s defensive and offensive artillery capabilities while facilitating the transition from Soviet-era artillery to more NATO-standard weaponry.
Despite the deployment of 21st-century technology in Ukraine, artillery remains a crucial component. With these new long-range systems, Ukraine will be able to strike Russian targets from a safe distance, minimizing the risk of a Russian return volley.
Russian supply lines, troop formations, command and control centers are now feasible targets once again.
Additionally, France and the United States lead an “Artillery Coalition” of nations working to bolster Ukraine’s artillery capabilities. France plans to supply Ukraine with 72 CAESAR howitzer systems this year. Furthermore, France has been providing around 3,000 155 mm shells to Ukraine every month since February.
The U.S. Department of Defense reported that over 54 countries have already delivered or pledged more than 800 artillery systems, along with over 2 million rounds of artillery ammunition and other weapons systems.
Aligned with a broader European Union plan, the Artillery Coalition aims to supply Ukraine with a million artillery rounds by the end of spring. The EU and its member states have granted Ukraine $156 billion in military, financial and humanitarian aid since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent visit to Kyiv comes just days after Russia launched a ground offensive into the northern region of Kharkiv. Ukraine faces significant challenges on the battlefield, with Russian troops gradually advancing. The shortages of manpower and delays in additional Western aid have compounded the situation.