Denmark purchases 18 Bohdana self-propelled howitzers for Ukraine.

On July 10, 2024, Denmark announced the donation of 18 Bohdana 155mm self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine, expected to be delivered within the coming months. Danish Defense Minister Poulsen's visit to defense industry companies in Kyiv earlier this year led to the recognition of the benefits of acquiring equipment directly from the Ukrainian defense sector. This approach meets the immediate needs of Ukrainian forces and supports the local defense industry, providing logistical advantages.
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The original Bohdana 1.0 was based on a KrAZ-63221 6x6 chassis, followed by the Bohdana 2.0 on a MAZ-6317 chassis, and the Bohdana 3.0, which uses a Czech Tatra T815-7 chassis with a Puma armored cab from Excalibur Army. (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)

The Danish donation is based on recommendations from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Strategic Industry. During his visit, Poulsen signed a letter of intent for future Danish donations to finance acquisitions directly from the Ukrainian defense industry. This initiative resulted in a formal cooperation agreement between Denmark and Ukraine in June, with the purchase of Ukrainian-produced artillery pieces as the first outcome.

Poulsen suggested that other countries could follow Denmark's model for procurement in Ukraine. He noted that Ukraine's production capacity exceeds its current funding, indicating the potential for similar agreements to produce more equipment locally and support the defense industry. Denmark has allocated 1.2 billion DKK (approximately €160,849,200) from the Ukraine fund for acquisitions by the Ukrainian defense industry, with the Danish Parliament overseeing this donation as part of donation package XIX.

Before this donation of 18 Bohdana self-propelled howitzers, in January 2023, Denmark announced the transfer of all 19 Caesar 8x8 self-propelled howitzers from the Danish Armed Forces to Ukraine. This donation was part of Denmark's ongoing efforts to assist Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. The Caesar howitzers, developed by the French company Nexter, are capable of using various NATO-standard 155mm ammunition types and are noted for their mobility and firepower.

The latest model, the Bohdana 4.0, introduced by the Ukrainian 47th Separate Artillery Brigade in February 2024, is an updated version of the 2S22 Bohdana self-propelled howitzer. It features a semi-automatic loader and an armored cabin manufactured by Ukrarmor, providing protection against threats like kamikaze drones. (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)

The 18 Bohdana self-propelled howitzers included in this donation can use all types of 155mm NATO artillery shells. The latest model, the Bohdana 4.0, introduced by the Ukrainian 47th Separate Artillery Brigade in February 2024, is an updated version of the 2S22 Bohdana self-propelled howitzer. It features a semi-automatic loader and an armored cabin manufactured by Ukrarmor, providing protection against threats like kamikaze drones. Due to production constraints, Ukraine has temporarily sourced Tatra Phoenix chassis from the civilian market, with plans to switch to military-specific models post-war.

The Bohdana series has seen various iterations. The original Bohdana 1.0 was based on a KrAZ-63221 6x6 chassis, followed by the Bohdana 2.0 on a MAZ-6317 chassis, and the Bohdana 3.0, which uses a Czech Tatra T815-7 chassis with a Puma armored cab from Excalibur Army. Each variant has been designed to meet changing battlefield requirements, ensuring deployment and redeployment times of approximately 1.5 minutes.

Key specifications of the Bohdana 4.0 include its 155mm caliber, semi-automatic loader, and compatibility with standard NATO ammunition. It has a firing range of up to 48 km with high-explosive fragmentation projectiles and up to 60 km with rocket-assisted projectiles. The artillery system includes an automatic gun laying system powered by Siemens SIPLUS, a computerized fire control system, and a navigation system. Its armored cabin provides protection against small arms fire, Lancet drones, and artillery splinters, ensuring crew safety.