Analysis: How Czech DITA 155mm Howitzer Offers Ukrainian Army New Artillery Technology.

With the DITA 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer, produced by the Czech defense company Excalibur Army, the Ukrainian army is set to significantly boost its artillery capabilities. This modern artillery system, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, promises to bring unprecedented efficiency and precision to Ukraine's military operations. In a significant development reported at the end of February 2024, the Army Recognition team revealed that the Netherlands had signed an agreement with the Czech Republic to supply Ukraine with these advanced self-propelled artillery systems, known as DITA, marking the latest generation of artillery system being made available to the Ukrainian forces.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Czech DITA 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer was displayed at the MSPO defense exhibition in Poland, in September 2021. (Picture source Army Recognition Group)

The DITA wheeled self-propelled howitzer is armed with a NATO-standard 155mm L45 gun, capable of hitting targets up to 39 km away with high-explosive base bleed (HE BB) shells. This powerful gun boasts a maximum rate of fire of six rounds per minute and a sustained rate of fire of five rounds per minute. Featuring an automatic loading and firing mechanism, the gun can operate in fully automatic, manual, and emergency guiding modes. It supports various firing modes, including single-round, rapid-fire, programmed, and multiple-round simultaneous impact (MRSI), offering flexibility in combat scenarios. The gun’s elevation angle ranges from -3° to +70°, with a traverse of ±60°. Additionally, the artillery system can carry 40 rounds of ammunition in conveyors within the turret, ensuring ample firepower during extended engagements.

For crew protection, the DITA howitzer's crew cab offers ballistic protection Level 1 Stanag 4569, safeguarding against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. This feature ensures that the crew can operate in a relatively safe environment, even in the heat of battle.

The DITA 155mm howitzer, mounted on the robust TATRA truck, represents a significant advancement in military mobility and operational flexibility for the Ukrainian army. The TATRA truck chassis, known for its durability and off-road capability, is equipped with a powerful TATRA T3C-928-90 engine. This engine delivers an impressive output of 300 kW, enabling the DITA howitzer to achieve notable mobility performances both on and off the road.

On paved roads, the DITA howitzer can reach a top speed of 90 km/h, allowing for rapid redeployment and positioning to support fast-paced combat operations. This high on-road speed ensures that the howitzer can quickly move between locations, minimizing exposure to enemy threats and maximizing the efficiency of fire support.

Off-road capabilities are equally important for artillery systems, as they often need to operate in diverse and challenging terrains. The DITA howitzer, thanks to its TATRA truck base, maintains a top speed of 25 km/h in off-road conditions. This capability ensures that the howitzer can navigate through difficult terrains, such as mud, snow, and uneven surfaces, providing reliable support to units in virtually any combat environment.

Furthermore, the DITA howitzer boasts an impressive cruising range of 600 km on a single fuel tank. This extensive range enhances the howitzer's operational reach, allowing it to operate without the need for frequent refueling. This feature is particularly valuable in extended operations, where logistics and supply lines may be stretched.

At the core of the DITA howitzer's operational capabilities is its advanced Onboard Control System (OCS), which encompasses diagnostics, navigation, automatic gun guiding, autonomous calculation of shooting elements, and ammunition management subsystems. This integration allows for quick, automated adjustments into firing positions, marking a significant advancement in artillery technology. The howitzer's automatic guiding system ensures fast, automated weapon adjustment for firing, reliably directing the gun towards the intended target with precision. This system is seamlessly managed through the M4 control panel.

The M4 Control System, a portable electronic device, interfaces with the OCS to display diagnostic data about the gun and chassis conditions. Its portability allows for turret control from outside the vehicle cab, adding an extra layer of flexibility and safety for the operators.

Designed for rapid deployment and high effectiveness, the OCS enables the DITA howitzer to quickly take up firing positions, complete its mission with the intended effect on targets, and vacate positions with minimal delay. The DITA's design allows for operation by just two individuals from within the cab, streamlining processes and reducing manpower needs. In case of a navigation system failure, an emergency optical sight is provided, ensuring continuous gun aiming capability.

This latest-generation system combines advanced technology with operational efficiency to make a formidable impact on the battlefield, significantly enhancing the Ukrainian army's artillery capabilities.

Defense News March 2024