Germany's substantial artillery aid to Ukraine: A strategic boost

Germany is set to send 10,000 artillery shells of 155 mm caliber from Bundeswehr reserves to Ukraine shortly. In addition, Germany will fund the supply of approximately 180,000 shells through the Czech ammunition initiative, expected to reach Ukraine by summer, and has placed an order for another 100,000 shells from its own industry, which will be delivered as soon as possible.

Considering that the recent estimated daily consumption of shells by Ukraine is between 2,000 and 3,000, the German supply of 10,000 shells will last for a maximum of five days. Although it might not seem like much, this support can significantly aid Ukraine in holding out until larger supplies arrive, especially if other countries contribute similarly.

Up to now, Germany has provided Ukraine with a range of munitions, and this occasion appears to be no different. The most common type are the DM121 shells, priced at about £2,500 each. They feature a simple design with TNT encased in a steel shell and outfitted with a straightforward impact fuse.

German assessments indicate that roughly 85% of these shells hit a target the size of a football field from almost 30 kilometres away, demonstrating relatively high accuracy for non-guided ammunition. However, they don't match the precision of guided munitions. Slightly pricier variants include a gas generator at the base of the shell to reduce aerodynamic drag by mitigating the base bleed effect. This enhancement allows shells like the M1711A1 to achieve ranges increased by 30 percent, reaching up to about 40 kilometres with systems having a 52 caliber barrel length, such as the PzH 2000.

Another category includes ammunition fitted with an additional rocket booster, which, although it reduces the volume available for explosive material, extends the potential range to over 60 kilometres. In Ukraine, however, this type of V-LAP ammunition usage has been uncommon, unlike the American M549A1 shells, and this trend is unlikely to change.

The most advanced in the German arsenal are the SMArt 155 guided artillery shells, with a range of 28 kilometres, designed to defeat tanks. They release submunitions with EFP (Explosively Formed Projectile) warheads capable of penetrating the latest Russian T-90M tanks by targeting their less protected upper armor sections. Each shell carries two submunitions equipped with radar and an infrared sensor for capturing thermal images of targets.

These allow for the guidance of the submunition as it descends by parachute over the target, where the EFP warhead's detonation produces a kinetic penetrator that breaches the armor. Unlike single shaped charges, various kinds of turret hoods do not offer protection against this threat.

Ukraine is also expected to receive a limited batch of Vulcan 155 GLR shells, a cutting-edge development produced in small quantities. These guided sub-caliber projectiles have a smaller diameter than the barrel caliber and are encased in a sabot, which is ejected upon leaving the barrel. Thanks to superior muzzle velocity and better ballistic coefficient than standard 155 mm caliber shells, they can reach distances up to 80 kilometres.

These shells demonstrate remarkable accuracy over long distances, with a circular error probable (CEP) not exceeding 5 metres. This precision is further improved to below 3 metres and allows engaging moving targets by employing a semi-active laser guidance (SAL) warhead, which, combined with a laser-illuminated target by an observer or drone, greatly enhances effectiveness.

Although having a smaller payload than typical for this caliber, these shells are highly effective due to their operational versatility, offering modes for detonation upon direct impact, delayed explosion for barrier penetration, or airburst to create a lethal shrapnel area.

Being one of Europe's largest ammunition manufacturers, Germany plays a crucial role in sourcing munitions for Ukraine. This latest delivery is expected to temporarily boost the situation, but the timely execution of subsequent commitments will be vital.