Germany ramps up Ukrainian howitzer training amid war challenges
NATO countries are intensifying their efforts to train Ukrainians to operate modern equipment, with some of the critical training facilities in nearby Poland and Germany. This article delves into the training process for the crews tasked with handling the formidable PzH 2000 howitzers.
6:32 AM EDT, May 5, 2024
Germany has supplied Ukraine with 14 Panzerhaubitze 2000 howitzers and announced the delivery of an additional 18 units. These powerful artillery systems are complex and require significant skill and technical proficiency. When their conservatively estimated operational limits (e.g., 100 shots per day) are exceeded, they are known to encounter operational issues, such as malfunctions in the loading mechanism.
Panzerhaubitze 2000 - A potent yet sensitive howitzer
The Panzerhaubitze 2000 is one of the most sophisticated artillery systems worldwide, boasting an impressive firing rate of up to 10 shots per minute. Moreover, it can fire up to five rounds in MRSI (multiple round simultaneous impact) mode, allowing all projectiles to strike their target nearly simultaneously—an advantage over the Polish Krab, which is noted for its reliability.
The range of the PzH 2000 varies with the ammunition type, from 19 miles using standard rounds like DM121 or OFd MKM to about 37 miles with rocket-assisted projectiles such as M549A1. With the introduction of specialized sub-caliber ammunition like Vulcano GLR 155, this range extends to 43-50 miles.
Furthermore, the PzH 2000 can effectively act as a long-range tank destroyer using intelligent SMArt 155 shells designed to locate and engage armored threats within a specific zone autonomously.