Ukrainian soldiers are expanding their expertise in heavy artillery by training with Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH 2000) self-propelled howitzers at the Special Multinational Training Command facilities in Germany.
+ Video: 43rd Artillery Brigade’s PzH 2000 in action against invaders
The training center is already known for offering courses to crews operating Leopard 1A5BE tanks and Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles. Now, the focus has shifted to artillery troops, with images released in March showing Ukrainian soldiers operating the powerful PzH 2000 howitzers.
Ukraine Strengthens Its Modern Howitzer Arsenal
Currently, Ukraine has at least 47 units of the PzH 2000 in its arsenal, received as donations from Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy (33, 8, and 6 units respectively). Eight of these German howitzers are used as a source of spare parts. Additionally, the Bundeswehr plans to deliver another 19 howitzers between 2025 and 2027, although part of these units — around 12 — were previously purchased from Qatar and require refurbishment before transfer.
These howitzers will undergo standardization in Germany to align them with the vehicles already used by the Ukrainian forces. There is also the possibility of future acquisitions of more PzH 2000 units or the wheeled RCH 155 version as part of ongoing German military support.
About the Panzerhaubitze 2000
Developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, Maschinenbau Kiel, and Rheinmetall, the PzH 2000 is considered one of the most advanced self-propelled howitzers in the world. Based on components from the Leopard 2 tank, the system facilitates maintenance for countries operating both vehicles.
The standard firing range exceeds 40 km with conventional ammunition and can surpass 50 km with special rounds such as the M982 Excalibur or M2005 V-LAP. In terms of caliber (155 mm, 52 calibers long), it is comparable to other NATO systems like the Polish AHS Krab and the French CAESAR.
Its automatic loader enables an impressive firing rate of three rounds in nine seconds or ten rounds in under a minute. Depending on barrel heating, the practical rate of fire ranges from 10 to 13 rounds per minute.
Currently, the PzH 2000 is in service with several NATO countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Greece, Italy, Hungary, and, more recently, Ukraine.
Source and images: Special Training Command, X @STC_EUMAM_UA. Video: X @DefenceU. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
