Germany unveils new PzH 2000 A4 155mm howitzer with advanced fire control and digital architecture.

On November 19, 2025, Germany introduced the new PzH 2000 A4 155mm 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer featuring upgraded fire control and a modern digital architecture. The launch marks the revival of a key European artillery production line and supports upcoming deliveries to Germany and Ukraine.

Germany officially unveiled the PzH 2000 A4, a new version of the original PzH 2000 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer, on November 19 during a ceremony at the KNDS Deutschland facility in Munich, a development German officials described as a major step in restoring Europe’s high-end artillery production capacity. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius highlighted the system’s new digital backbone and improved fire-control tools, noting that series production is already underway, with deliveries set to begin in late 2025 and continue into early 2027.
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The newly unveiled PzH 2000 A4 155mm self-propelled howitzer, on display at the KNDS Deutschland facility in Munich, features an advanced fire control system and an upgraded digital architecture for enhanced battlefield performance.  (Picture source: Germany MoD)

The PzH 2000 is a German-made 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer developed in the 1990s by Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG, which later merged with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann to form KNDS Deutschland. Designed for long-range precision fire, rapid engagement, and sustained battlefield mobility, the PzH 2000 entered service in 1998 and quickly became one of NATO’s premier artillery platforms. With a fully automatic loading system, high rate of fire, and robust protection, the system has been deployed in a variety of combat environments, proving its reliability and versatility under operational conditions.

Since its introduction, the system has seen several key iterations. The A0 variant was the original prototype, never fielded but crucial to development. The A1 version, delivered to the Bundeswehr, added a modern navigation system and improved accuracy through a refined pneumatic barrel laying mechanism. The A2 variant introduced a more advanced charge-cooling system, allowing deployment in more demanding international environments, including operations with the Netherlands. Although an A3 version was planned to add enhanced mine protection, budgetary constraints and shifting priorities halted its development. As a result, the A1 and A2 versions remain the most widely used in active service.

Now, the newly launched PzH 2000 A4 standard signals a clear evolution in the system’s role and capabilities. Rather than focusing on increased armor protection, the A4 emphasizes digitalization, network integration, and battlefield survivability through advanced electronic systems. These upgrades respond directly to lessons drawn from the war in Ukraine, where modern artillery must operate in contested electromagnetic environments, under constant threat from drones and precision-guided munitions.

Among the most significant changes is the replacement of the legacy MICMOS fire control computer with the new Centurion system. This upgrade enhances computing power, speeds up fire mission processing, and allows integration with NATO-standard fire control architectures. The system also supports advanced 155mm precision-guided munitions such as the Vulcano and Excalibur, providing greater accuracy and longer engagement ranges.

The PzH 2000 A4 also introduces an updated power and cooling architecture. Engineers have implemented a split configuration between the generator and thermal management systems, improving energy efficiency and allowing for future expansion of onboard electronics. This redesign reflects a growing emphasis on modularity and power management in modern combat vehicles.

While the PzH 2000 A4 marks the most advanced variant to enter production, development work is already underway on the future A5 standard. The A5 aims to create a fully digital platform with a semi-open electronic architecture, enabling rapid integration of new subsystems and upgrades. Among the anticipated features are an automated ammunition loading system, improved gun laying mechanics, and the option to reduce the crew from five to three, thanks to increased automation.

Additional optional features under consideration for future variants include an indirect vision system for the driver, advanced optronics for enhanced situational awareness, portable fuse programming tools, and remotely operated weapon stations for self-defense.

Germany’s renewed investment in the PzH 2000 program comes at a decisive moment for NATO and allied artillery strategy. As artillery regains prominence in large-scale conventional warfare, the A4 rollout places KNDS Deutschland at the center of Europe’s modernization push. The company is already positioned to meet growing international interest, with several NATO members evaluating upgrades or new acquisitions based on the A4 and upcoming A5 standards.

As production scales up and the Pzh 2000 A5 development continues, Army Recognition will provide exclusive coverage, technical insights, and in-depth reporting from inside Germany’s artillery transformation.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.