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Ukraine Produces 20 Bohdana 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzers Per Month.
In a message posted on Telegram on October 30, 2024, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is bolstering its defense production by manufacturing up to 20 Bohdana self-propelled howitzers monthly. Speaking after he visited Nordic countries, Zelenskyy highlighted this achievement of Ukraine’s defense industry, a focal point in discussions surrounding new support measures for Ukraine’s defense sector and investments in joint defense projects. By producing howitzers that meet NATO standards, Ukraine demonstrates its capacity to develop a robust domestic defense industry, even amidst active conflict.
Denmark has played a key role in enhancing Ukraine’s military capacity by funding the production of 18 Bohdana units, already delivered to Ukraine’s armed forces as of September (Picture source: 32nd Separate Artillery Brigade )
The Bohdana, known by the code name 2S22, is a self-propelled howitzer mounted on a KrAZ-6322 6x6 truck chassis, fully designed and manufactured in Ukraine. Equipped with a 155mm caliber cannon, it can engage targets up to 42 kilometers away using HEIAP ammunition and up to 50 kilometers with rocket-assisted projectiles, compatible with NATO-standard munitions. The system, designed for mobility and adaptability on the battlefield, represents the innovation and self-reliance of Ukraine’s defense industry, which achieved full production scale in January 2023, according to former Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikhov. Its design takes inspiration from the French CAESAR and Israeli ATMOS wheeled howitzers, incorporating a 6x6 truck chassis, an armored cabin at the front, and an artillery system mounted at the rear.
The 2S22 Bohdana also includes a modern targeting and fire control system, featuring a ballistic computer, a computerized fire control unit, an automatic gun-laying system, and a navigation module that allows the unit to quickly determine its position and engage targets with precision. Operated by a crew of five, the Bohdana benefits from high mobility due to its KrAZ truck chassis, allowing it to traverse both paved roads and rugged terrain with a top speed of 80 km/h and a range of up to 1,000 km. The vehicle can overcome vertical obstacles of 0.7 meters, trenches of 1 meter, gradients of 60%, and side slopes of 30%, and can ford water up to a depth of 1.2 meters, providing considerable operational versatility.
Denmark has played a key role in enhancing Ukraine’s military capacity by funding the production of 18 Bohdana units, already delivered to Ukraine’s armed forces as of September. This marks the first instance of an EU country allocating funds specifically to procure Ukrainian-made military equipment, underscoring the EU’s commitment to Kyiv’s defense efforts. On September 29, 2024, Denmark and Ukraine further solidified their collaboration with a $600 million defense investment agreement.
The production of such quantities of self-propelled howitzers is notable, especially for a nation at war. Only a handful of countries worldwide possess the capability to manufacture artillery systems at this volume, underscoring Ukraine’s achievement under military pressure. This production not only meets Ukraine’s operational needs but also addresses the demand from its allies for a reliable and effective supply of weaponry.
This development signifies a milestone for Ukraine’s defense industry as it shifts from reliance on imports to domestic production of advanced equipment. International support and cooperation, particularly from Denmark, have amplified this production capability, enhancing Ukraine’s deterrence potential in the face of Russian aggression. In April, Zelenskyy had already announced that Ukraine’s defense industry had produced ten Bohdanas in a single month, and the pace has now reached a maximum of 20 units per month.
The continued production of Bohdanas is thus a cornerstone of Ukraine’s defense strategy. By establishing a solid industrial base and integrating international support into its production efforts, Ukraine strengthens its capacity to sustain ongoing military operations while preparing for future challenges.