Ukraine deploys first Bohdana-B 155mm towed howitzer as a new step toward full artillery modernization.

On March 24, 2025, Ukraine’s 47th Separate Artillery Brigade received its first Bohdana-B towed 155mm howitzer, a domestically manufactured artillery system developed as an alternative to the 2S22 Bohdana self-propelled version. The system is based on the artillery unit of the self-propelled Bohdana, mounted on a towed carriage adapted from the Soviet-era 2A36 Giatsint-B howitzer. The barrel length remains at 52 calibers, identical to that of the original self-propelled system.
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The firing range of the Bohdana-B is expected to match that of the 2S22 Bohdana, estimated between 40 and 42 kilometers with standard 155mm NATO ammunition. (Picture source: Facebook/47oabr)

The Bohdana-B was developed in response to the limited availability of foreign-made wheeled chassis, particularly from the Czech company Tatra, which has not been able to supply trucks at a pace equal to domestic gun production. This imbalance led to the initiation of the towed variant in 2023. It was first publicly presented in late 2024 during a Ministry of Defense event showcasing domestically produced weapons to international partners. At that event, the prototype lacked a protective shield and displayed modifications to the artillery guidance system. By March 2025, the version received by the 47th Brigade included a shield and had completed live-fire testing, as confirmed by photos and videos published by the unit.

The gun is mounted on a modified 2A36 Giatsint-B carriage, with changes to the guidance mechanism and recoil fixation. The estimated weight of the complete system exceeds 10 tons, and it is transported using Daewoo Novus high-mobility trucks. Images released by the brigade also show the howitzer being deployed and fired during training exercises.

Ukraine has pursued the Bohdana-B, sometimes referenced to as Bohdana-BG, to supplement its artillery fleet using existing domestic production capacity. It provides a lower-cost and more quickly producible alternative to self-propelled systems, allowing Ukrainian forces to increase the number of deployed artillery systems without depending on imported chassis. The towed version is also part of a broader plan to replace Soviet-era artillery pieces such as the Msta-B, D-20, and M-46, many of which are no longer serviceable due to barrel wear or ammunition shortages.

The estimated cost of the Bohdana-B ranges from $1.5 million to $2 million, while the self-propelled Bohdana is priced between $2.5 million and $3 million, according to multiple Ukrainian sources, including Militarnyi and the Ministry of Defense. Cost reductions are achieved through the reuse of existing Soviet carriages and the absence of expensive truck chassis. A 2020 Ministry of Defense tender listed the price of KrAZ and MAZ trucks, previously used for the self-propelled Bohdana, at approximately $300,000 per unit, with additional costs for armor and adaptation.

The firing range of the Bohdana-B is expected to match that of the 2S22 Bohdana, estimated between 40 and 42 kilometers with standard 155mm NATO ammunition. The self-propelled Bohdana has a documented firing rate of 5 to 6 rounds per minute. However, since the Bohdana-B lacks a semi-automatic loader, its rate of fire is expected to be lower. Its mobility is reduced compared to self-propelled systems, resulting in longer repositioning times and increased exposure to counter-battery fire. Nonetheless, its relevance remains due to the growing practice of entrenching artillery to protect against drone strikes.

As of early 2025, the Ukrainian defense industry continues to produce artillery barrels and components at a rate that exceeds chassis availability. (Picture source: Facebook/47oabr)

The development of the Bohdana-B was previously confirmed by Brigadier General Serhii Baranov, Head of the Main Directorate of Missile Forces and Artillery of the General Staff. He stated that Ukraine produces more artillery units than it can currently mount on self-propelled chassis. According to Ihor Fedirko, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry, Ukrainian manufacturers can fulfill contracts for up to 115 Bohdana systems in two to three months, potentially producing 40 units per month under optimal conditions. The Ukrainian defense industry has also considered shortening the barrel to 39 calibers to allow compatibility with lighter Msta-B carriages and converting old Soviet 130mm M-46 guns to the 155mm caliber, similar to projects implemented in Serbia and India.

Ukrainian production of the self-propelled Bohdana system began in 2018 and has included several iterations: Bohdana 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0. The latest version, Bohdana 4.0, is mounted on a Czech Tatra 158 Phoenix 8×8 chassis and includes a semi-automatic loader and an armored cabin produced by Ukrarmor. This variant has a maximum range of 48 kilometers with high-explosive projectiles and up to 60 kilometers with rocket-assisted ammunition. It can traverse 30 degrees left or right and carries a basic load of 20 rounds. The system uses NATO-standard 155mm ammunition, including Ukrainian-manufactured and imported rounds.

The Bohdana was first tested in January 2022 and saw combat use during the battle for Snake Island later that year, and this use case led to additional orders from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. The production rate of the 2S22 Bohdana increased from six units per month in December 2023 to over 20 units per month by early 2025. Ukraine has pursued the parallel production of both self-propelled and towed variants to meet battlefield needs and reduce dependency on foreign supply chains.

Bohdana systems have been delivered to at least six military formations, including the army, marines, National Guard, Main Intelligence Directorate, and the composite brigade of the National Police. According to reports from the manufacturer, production sites are located both within Ukraine and in European Union countries. Component production has been duplicated across multiple facilities to ensure continuity and supply redundancy. Spare parts are reportedly available within 24 hours, and repairs can be completed within 48 hours, according to manufacturer statements.

The self-propelled Bohdana is described as mechanically redundant, with each electrical or hydraulic system backed by a mechanical alternative. Artillerymen interviewed by Ukrainian media noted slow wear of the barrel bore, claiming up to 7,000–8,000 shots could be fired while maintaining consistent accuracy. The rifling details and internal design parameters, including the presence of a central stabilizing support, have not been publicly disclosed but are described by the manufacturer as contributing to firing stability.

As of early 2025, the Ukrainian defense industry continues to produce artillery barrels and components at a rate that exceeds chassis availability. Ukraine has entered into multi-year contracts with European partners such as Denmark and maintains the potential to increase output to meet ongoing demand. The Bohdana-B is a result of this shift toward maximizing artillery output under constrained logistical conditions, aiming to provide a scalable and domestically controllable artillery supply solution.