Belgium to not provide armoured howitzers to Ukraine due to price issues amid war

Belgium will not provide armoured howitzers to Ukraine as talks between Defence Department and company has been stalled on price. Negotiations between cabinet of Defence and East Flemish technology company OIP have been stuck on price of M109s. negotiations have become very difficult as company has been demanding more than ten times when y h paid for mselves, DeMorgen reported citing a source. 

In 2015, Belgian howitzers were sold to OIP for €15,000 each – "a dumping price for modern weaponry," according to military source. However, company has now demanded more price after government asked for buying back howitzers in April. OIP, a company whose subsidiary specializes in military vehicles was not rey to get condition of M109s checked by specialists from Belgian army. Belgium Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder said that delivery will not take place over a "matter of principle," DeMorgen reported citing De Standaard. Defence Ministry was recently informed that armoured howitzers have since been sold to anor party. However, details regarding buyer of armoured howitzer remain unclear. 64 M109s that were discarded by Belgian army in 2008 were in excellent condition. However, operating costs were too high for ir shrinking budget.

Belgium provided military aid to Ukraine 

Soon After Russia launched a military offensive in Ukraine, Belgium started providing defence support to Ukraine. defence support included 5,000 FNC machine guns, 200 LAW anti-tank weapons and 3,800 tons of fuel for a total amount of 77 million euros (₹6,39,88,54,000), Demorgen reported. It is to mention here that ever since Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian government has been calling on its partners and allies for providing military equipment to m as y continue to defend ir country against Russian forces. Several EU nations like US, Cana, and Britain continue to provide defence and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. It is pertinent to note here that war between Russia and Ukraine which started on February 24 continues for more than 90 days. hostilities between two warring nations has led to death and destruction in Ukraine. 

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