TechGermany ramps up Ukrainian howitzer training amid war challenges

Germany ramps up Ukrainian howitzer training amid war challenges

PzH 2000 during shelling.

Images source: © X | @front_ukrainian

6:32 AM EDT, May 5, 2024

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.

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.

In response to these challenges, Germany is actively training new crews. These crews are prepared to either replace those currently engaged in Ukraine or to manage the operations of the newly delivered howitzers. Initially, the Ukrainians start their training on simulators before advancing to hands-on experience with the actual howitzers.

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.

Remarkably efficient, the PzH 2000 can move to or from a firing position in under a minute, and loading its ammunition—up to 60 ready-to-fire shells—only takes about 12 minutes. This rapid deployment and reloading capability significantly reduces its vulnerability during operations.

Despite its heavy armor, which includes Igelpanzerung mats on its roof for added protection against threats like anti-tank bomblets or drones such as the Lancet-3, the howitzer's weight, reaching up to 63 tons, does not compromise its mobility. Powered by a 1,340 hp engine, the PzH 2000 remains surprisingly agile.