PzH 2000 155mm howitzers coming from Italy are now in service with Ukrainian army.
According to several pictures published on Social Networks on January 21, 2023, we can confirm that Italy has sent an undisclosed number of PzH 2000 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine which are now used by the Ukrainian army 43rd Artillery Brigade.
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PzH 2000 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers coming from the Italian army are now in service with the Ukrainian armed forces. (Picture source Twitter Ukraine Weapon Tracker)
Now the Ukrainian army is equipped with a total of 28 PzH 2000 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers including 14 from Germany, 6 from Italy, and 8 from the Netherlands.
On 30 October 2022, the Army Recognition editorial team reported that the Italian Government approved the supply of 6 PzH 2000 155mm self-propelled howitzers, two M270 MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System), 20 to 30 M109L 155mm self-propelled howitzers and dozen of M113 tracked APCs (Armored Personnel Carriers).
Currently, the Italian government has not officially released a statement confirming the delivery to Ukraine of the PzH 2000 howitzer, but according to information published on social networks, the Italian army version of the PzH 2000 can be easily identified thanks to visual unique features.
In the picture below, the red circle shows a modification for a stowage box that is unique for the Italian army PzH 2000. Also, unlike German or Dutch PzH 2000, the Italian ones have the unit icon on the rear door. Italian army also uses a very unique three colors camouflage.
The PzH 2000 155mm howitzers are the backbone of the artillery unit of the Italian armed forces. Before the donation of howitzers to Ukraine, the Italian army had a total of 69 PzH 2000 tracked howitzers that were ordered in 2002 and delivered between 2004 and 2008.
The PzH 2000 is a self-propelled howitzer developed by the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). It is one of the most advanced artillery systems in the world, with a maximum range of over 48 km and the ability to fire up to 10 rounds per minute. It is in service with several armies in the world and has been used in various international operations.
The PzH 2000 is armed with a 155mm/L52 howitzer. It has a maximum range of 48 km using Rocket Assisted Projectiles (RAP) and 67 km using the Extended Range Full-bore - Base Bleed (ERFB-BB) projectile. It can fire at a rate of 10 rounds per minute and has a maximum of 39 rounds on board.
The PzH 2000 is equipped with an automated loading system, which allows for quick and efficient reloading of the howitzer. The howitzer is also equipped with an advanced fire control system, navigation, and communication systems.
