Denel T5-52 155mm self-propelled howitzer for Army of South Africa.

According to the annual report 2017 of Denel published on its official (admin.denel.co.za) website, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has purchased three T5-52/45 155mm 8x8 wheeled self-propelled artillery system developed by Denel. The Company Denel is the largest manufacturer of defense equipment in South Africa and operates in the military aerospace and landward defense environment.

Denel T5-52 155mm 52 caliber 8x8 wheeled self-propelled howitzer displayed at IDEAS defense exhibition in Pakistan, December 2016. (Picture source Army Recognition)

In August 2016, it was announced that the South African could be interested to purchase the T5-52, 155mm 52 caliber 8x8 wheeled self-propelled howitzer to replace the G5 155mm towed howitzer also developed and designed in South Africa by Denel Land Systems. The G5 became operational with the South African army in 1983. In mid-1996, a total of 72 155 G5 were in service with the South African Artillery units.

Other countries have showed interest to purchase the South African-made T5-52, Denel has also demonstrated its artillery systems for many foreign customers. At the International Defense Exhibition and IDEAS in Pakistan, which took place in Karachi in December 2016, Denel Land Systems showcased and demonstrated its T5-52 mounted to the Czech Tatra T815-7 8×8 truck. Pakistan is on the process to acquire a new wheeled self-propelled 155 mm howitzer.

The T5-52 is armed with the G5 155mm howitzer top-carriage in caliber configuration mounted at the rear of an 8x8 truck chassis. The gun has an elevation of -3° to +75°, a 80° unrestricted arc of fire at all elevations. It can engage targets with direct fire over a 180° arc out to 3,000 m, and can fire a five-round time-on-target mission to ranges between 13 and 30 km for indirect fire missions.

The T5-52 artillery weapon system is mounted on a modified Czech-made Tatra T815-7 8x8 truck chassis. It has a crew of four and additional two crew members to prepare and supply the ammunition. The cab for the crew and artillery operators is located at the front of the truck. It is an unprotected cabin but it can be fitted with an armour kit to provide protection against firing of small arms 5.56mm caliber and shell splinters.