Oleksii Reznikov, Minister of Defence of Ukraine, reported that German MARS II multiple rocket launcher systems were received by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

This weaponry was transferred to Ukraine by Germany.

The Head of the Defense Ministry thanked Christina Lambrecht, his German counterpart, for these systems on Twitter.

“Third brother in the Long Hand family – MLRS MARS II from Germany – has arrived in Ukraine. Grateful to Germany and my colleague Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht personally for these systems. Our artillerymen salute our German partners!” Oleksii Reznikov wrote.

Previously, German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht announced that Germany supplied another batch of heavy weapons to Ukraine. This transfer covered MARS II MLRS. A total of 10 PZH-2000 self-propelled guns were shipped to Ukraine from Bundeswehr storages.

“The promised Mars II multiple launch rocket systems and three more Panzerhaubitze 2000s have been delivered. We keep our word,” she said, according to Welt media.

She also announced the delivery of five Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns. Lambrecht emphasized that in total, Ukraine will be receiving 30 such guns along with the promised 60,000 ammunition.

The day before, Oleksii Reznikov, Minister of Defense of Ukraine, announced that three Gepard anti-aircraft guns are already at the disposal of the Ukrainian troops.

MARS II MLRS

Mars II MLRS (Mittlere Artillerie Raketen System) is a German multiple rocket launcher adopted by the Bundeswehr in 1990.

This launcher is basically a licensed copy of the American M270 MLRS with minor modifications.

The artillery unit of Mars II consists of two disposable units, each of which houses six transport and launch containers with rocket-propelled ammunition. Depending on the ammunition, targets can be hit at a maximum range of 45,000 – 70,000 m.

Mars II is designed to destroy clusters of enemy manpower and equipment, artillery batteries, air defenses, command posts, and communications, as well as to set up minefields through remote mining.