Mars-II: German-delivered Multi-Launch Rocket System To Reinforce Ukraine's Defenses

Ukraine received assistance from Germany in the form of MARS-II. (photo: doc. MilitaryLeak)

JAKARTA - Ukraine has reportedly received a shipment of weapons from Germany, namely the Mars-II multi-launch rocket system (MLRS). Previously, the country received assistance from its ally, the United States, in the form of a high mobility rocket system aka HIMARS.

MLRS Mars II has been received by Ukraine. This shipment is the third batch as MLRS assistance from Germany. The information was conveyed by the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Alexey Reznikov in an announcement on Twitter, on Monday 1 August 2022.

“The third brother in the Long Hand family - MLRS MARS II from Germany - has arrived in Ukraine. Thanks to Germany and personally to my colleague #DefenceMinister Christine Lambrecht for this system. Our artillery troops salute our German partners!” wrote Alexey Reznikov in a tweet.

What is Mars-II?

Mars-II is a modified multi-launch rocket system developed by three countries namely Germany, Italy, and France aimed at strengthening the MLRS 270 made in the United States.

Based on information from its German manufacturer, KMW, the Mars-II is capable of firing up to 12 missiles per minute with a range of more than 70 kilometers. Not only that, the missile launcher system can be guided using GPS or mine-throwing missiles.

The German government confirmed the delivery of Mars-II to Ukraine last week. Berlin added that it also delivered three PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers, for a total of ten combat equipment.

At the same time, German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht, said it was sending five self-propelled Gepard anti-aircraft guns. Previously, Germany promised delivery of 30 units. Meanwhile, Kiev has only received three of the combat equipment along with tens of thousands of ammunition.

German Help

It doesn't stop there, Germany also plans to send a Cobra-type artillery radar to Ukraine in September. Lambrecht stated that Kiev had signed a contract for the war equipment. He also urged the Ukrainian government to immediately conduct training for "this very complex system."

According to recent reports, Ukrainian forces should have started training for Germany's most advanced air defense system, the Iris-T SLM anti-aircraft missile system. The plan, Iris-T SLM will be sent to Ukraine around November.

Despite all that, Germany has come under criticism for being slow to provide military support to Ukraine. The head of the Bundestag's defense committee, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, took aim at German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's office over the delay in sending aid. On the other hand, Lambrecht stated that German military supplies were limited.