EDEX 2018: Egyptian-made D-30 wheeled self-propelled howitzer.

The 122-mm howitzer D-30 (GRAU index 2A18) is a Soviet howitzer that first entered service in the 1960s. It is a robust piece that focuses on the essential features of a towed field gun suitable for all conditions. The D-30 has a maximum range of 15.4 kilometers, or over 21 km using RAP ammunition. At EDEX 2018, the Egyptians are displaying a truck-mounted version of this howitzer that can fire only toward the back of the vehicle. This vehicle was unveiled on 3 May 2016, during a firing exercise of the Egyptian armed forces.

Egyptian D-30 self-propelled howtizer (122mm) mounted on Ural 4320-1911-30 truck (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Although no longer manufactured in the nations of the former Soviet Union, the D-30 is still manufactured internationally and is in service in more than 60 countries' armed forces, namely in various self-propelled versions.

In the framework of the Egyptian MoD’s programme to progressively replace all its towed guns by self-propelled ones, The present SPH has the D-30 howitzer mounted on a 6x6 Ural 4320-1911-30 truck with reinforced frame and hydraulic stabilizers. The 240hp engine is a Yamz-238M2. The hydraulic mechanism of the artillery piece is independently powered by a diesel engine. 40 shells are stored on the platform. The howitzer mounting is designed to enable its transfer to another vehicle.

Egyptian D-30 self-propelled howtizer (122mm) mounted on Ural 4320-1911-30 truck. The gun can fire only toward the back (Picture source: Army Recognition)