Ukraine develops new Bohdana 6.0 155mm self-propelled howitzer to expand international co-production.

On July 2, 2025, Andrei BT revealed that Ukraine is developing a new variant of its 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer, which we will refer to as 2S22 Bohdana 6.0, following the international registration of a patent by the Kramatorsk Heavy Machine Tool Building Plant (KZVV) for an industrial design of the Bohdana system. Filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), the documentation includes both a complete self-propelled configuration and a modular artillery unit adaptable to various wheeled platforms.
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With the new patent for the Bohdana 6.0, Ukraine has now developed at least six distinct self-propelled variants of the Bohdana, mounted on various 6x6 and 8x8 wheeled chassis, as well as one towed version designated either Bohdana-B or 2P22 Bohdana-BG. (Picture source: KZVV via X/Andrei_bt)

The patent shows the Bohdana artillery system integrated on a new chassis and equipped with a semi-automatic rammer. Though this rammer is not yet employed in combat due to limitations preventing simultaneous loading and aiming, its inclusion in the patent indicates ongoing development for future variants. The PCT framework allows KZVV to secure legal protection for the Bohdana 6.0’s design in multiple countries simultaneously, outlining the rights and obligations of both applicants and signatory states. The patent’s publication suggests preparations for licensed or joint production abroad. This is supported by Denmark’s recent defense cooperation initiatives, including a $47 million investment in Ukrainian weapons manufacturing on Danish territory and earlier funding for 18 Bohdana systems delivered to Ukraine in 2024. The Kramatorsk plant has regularly tested the Bohdana’s modular artillery system on various 6x6 and 8x8 chassis types, and the fifth confirmed self-propelled variant, designated Bohdana 5.0, was delivered to the 44th Separate Artillery Brigade in May 2025. With this new patent, Ukraine has now developed at least six distinct Bohdana self-propelled variants. The latest, the 5.0 variant, is mounted on a Tatra Force 8×8 chassis, includes a domestically produced armored cabin replacing earlier Czech Puma L2 units, and integrates a mechanical loading arm and an anti-drone net system mounted directly behind the cabin. The design allows reloading from the ground or from support vehicles and reflects a reorganization of the platform’s rear layout.

The Bohdana family began with the 1.0 prototype mounted on a KrAZ-6322 chassis in 2018. Its development was disrupted by legal disputes, supply issues for 155mm ammunition, and technical challenges, including recoil control. These issues were addressed by 2021, allowing the platform to proceed through further tests. The Bohdana entered service in 2022 after its participation in the operation targeting Snake Island. Ukraine subsequently moved to serial production in 2023. The 2.0 variant was based on a MAZ-6317 chassis, while the 3.0 used a Tatra 815-7 truck. The 4.0 variant shifted to the Tatra Phoenix chassis and introduced a semi-automatic loader and Ukrainian-made armored cabin. Bohdana production surpassed 150 units by the end of 2024. Ukrainian officials stated that up to 20 units were being produced monthly, with some reports suggesting a maximum of 36 under optimal conditions. By 2025, more than 85 percent of components were sourced domestically, with the goal of reaching 95 percent local content by year-end. Production was spread across multiple locations inside Ukraine and the EU to reduce vulnerability to missile strikes.

The Bohdana-B towed variant, based on the same 155mm L52 artillery unit, was developed to address chassis shortages. Mounted on a modified Soviet 2A36 Giatsint-B carriage, this version was first presented in October 2024 and entered service in March 2025 with the 47th Separate Artillery Brigade. The Bohdana-B, also known as 2P22 Bohdana-BG, weighs over 10 tonnes, is transported by Daewoo Novus trucks, and incorporates modifications to aiming and recoil mechanisms. While it lacks an autoloader and has reduced mobility compared to the self-propelled variants, its cost is lower, estimated at $1.5 to $2 million per unit, versus $2.5 to $3 million for the wheeled Bohdana. Production of barrels and artillery modules currently outpaces the availability of truck platforms. Ukrainian defense officials, including Brigadier General Serhii Baranov, confirmed that more artillery units are produced than can be mounted, prompting the development of the towed variant. Some concepts explore shortening the barrel to 39 calibers for use with lighter carriages, such as the Soviet Msta-B, or retrofitting 130mm M-46 guns to NATO standards, following approaches taken by Serbia and India.

The Bohdana system uses a 155mm L52 barrel compatible with a wide range of NATO-standard munitions, including M107, M795, M549A1 RAP, BONUS top-attack submunitions, and M982 Excalibur GPS-guided projectiles. Ukrainian forces have also employed German DM121, South African V-LAP, and Indian-made shells. Fire control is managed by an integrated Ukrainian system combining GPS, inertial navigation, and real-time input from UAVs and counterbattery radars. Newer units are equipped with ballistic velocity radar, likely the 112L4. The Bohdana has a documented firing rate of 5 to 6 rounds per minute, with a minimum range of 780 meters and maximum ranges of 42 to 60 kilometers, depending on ammunition. The standard crew consists of three to four personnel. The platform has been used in operations around Bakhmut, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, including confirmed strikes on targets located over 48 kilometers away. By June 2025, open-source analysts had verified 27 Bohdana units as destroyed or damaged across all variants.

The Bohdana possesses a total vehicle weight of 28 tonnes, a road speed up to 80 km/h, and an operational range of 800 kilometers. Off-road mobility is rated at 30 km/h with a range of 300 kilometers. The armored cabin, developed by Ukrainian Armor, includes protection against 7.62mm armor-piercing rounds and fragments, and offers mine protection up to STANAG Level 2b. Vehicle components are redundant, with each hydraulic or electrical system backed by mechanical alternatives. The production network includes separate facilities for barrel manufacturing and vehicle integration. The standard configuration carries 20 rounds on board and allows for remote operation of targeting and fire control from inside or behind the vehicle. Repairs are reportedly completed within 48 hours, with spare parts available within 24 hours. These logistical capabilities were emphasized by the manufacturer in public statements and confirmed by operators. Ukrainian military personnel reported low barrel wear, with some crews claiming up to 8,000 rounds fired with maintained accuracy, attributed to proprietary rifling geometry and stabilizing design features.

The 2S22 Bohdana is currently operated by multiple units across the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including the 44th, 45th, 55th, and 26th Artillery Brigades, the 57th Motorized Brigade, the 406th and 32nd Naval Artillery Brigades, and National Guard and National Police formations. The National Police's composite brigades "Liut" and "Khizhak" also use the system, along with artillery personnel from the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR). The vehicle’s modular artillery unit has appeared in training documentation, combat footage, and export marketing materials since at least early 2023. Images released by the Ukrainian Navy and Ground Forces document the platform’s role in frontline operations, including confirmed survivability against drone strikes using ZALA Lancet munitions. In addition to being Ukraine’s first NATO-caliber artillery system, the Bohdana is also the foundation of a wider program that includes collaboration with Slovakia’s Konštrukta Defense and integration into broader strategies aimed at reducing dependence on imported artillery systems and ammunition. The development and patenting of the Bohdana 6.0 further extend the platform’s production, integration, and export potential.