Ukraine's Azov Brigade showcases cutting-edge DITA howitzer
Soldiers from the Azov Brigade demonstrated the capabilities of the DITA howitzer from the Czech Republic. Here, we present its features.
The Ukrainian "Azov" Brigade, despite ideological controversies, is among the most motivated and well-led units in Ukraine. Often, its soldiers are assigned the most challenging sections of the front or are used to rescue other encircled Ukrainian units, as was the case around Toretsk.
For this reason, they are on the list of units that receive modern Western equipment first. Below, you can see a recording where they share their experiences using the Czech DITA howitzer. This equipment most likely comes from a batch funded by the Netherlands.
Ukrainian soldier from the "Azov" Brigade on the DITA howitzer
The DITA howitzer commander from the 12th Brigade, codenamed "Vorzel," reports that it allows them to reach farther than previously possible, hitting targets up to 24 miles away. Additionally, the Ukrainian soldier highly values the automation of the howitzer, which essentially requires only two soldiers to operate.
"DITA won't let you do anything that could damage it. For example, it won’t allow us to fire while moving or without extended supports. However, there is an option to switch to manual mode if the electronics fail. It allows for all necessary tasks because it also features a classic artillery sight."
"Vorzel" also values the mission planning system, which can be easily configured in the rear—where GPS issues are non-existent—and saved in the system's memory with a digital map. Furthermore, he praises the system's overall effectiveness and mobility, reducing the chance of being hit, and requests more howitzers.
DITA howitzer — the old DANA adapted to NATO standards
The new version of the DITA howitzer is a significant modernization of the vz.77 DANA system, with its greatest advantage being the use of a gun in the 155 mm NATO caliber. This gun is mounted in a turret placed on the DANA’s chassis (Tatra 815 VP31), which has undergone significant modifications.
The most critical of these modifications is a new hydraulic support deployment system, which notably shortens the time needed to prepare and vacate a combat position. This is crucial in artillery operations, as opponents use artillery radars to quickly identify firing positions based on the trajectory of fired projectiles.
DITA is also equipped with an additional APU power generator, providing electrical energy for all onboard electronics, generating less heat, and consuming less fuel than the main engine. The crew remains in a hermetically sealed and armored cabin meeting the STANAG 4569 standard class I requirements. This cabin offers protection against artillery fragments of up to a 155 mm caliber, as well as short-range firearms fire.
The DITA howitzer is capable of hitting targets up to 24 miles away using shells with a gas generator. Further targets can be reached using rocket projectiles, such as the M549A1 or guided Vulcano GLR, if integrated with the onboard computer.
The gun achieves a maximum rate of fire of 6 rounds per minute, although it may drop to 5 rounds per minute over time. Notably, the loading mechanism handles both shells and propellant charges. The crew's only tasks involve attaching fuses and loading the shells with propellant charges into the magazine, which holds 40 shells with charges.
DITA can assume or leave a position in less than a minute. Additionally, it can conduct fire in MRSI mode, enabling it to nearly simultaneously hit a target with three projectiles. All these features make it one of the best artillery systems in the arsenal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
