Germany restarts production of PzH 2000 155mm self-propelled howitzers.

According to Defence24 on June 10, 2024, the Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH 2000) 155mm self-propelled howitzer reentered production at KNDS Deutschland's facility in Kassel, Germany. This event marks the fourth production run for the PzH 2000, following new orders from the German Army and Ukraine. The first deliveries of PzH 2000 from this new production cycle are scheduled for mid-2025.
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These new PzH 2000 are intended to replace the 14 units that were supplied to Ukraine from German Army stocks, supplemented by eight units from the Royal Netherlands Army. (Picture source: German MoD)

The PzH 2000, a 155mm/52 caliber tracked self-propelled howitzer, remains the only conventional tube artillery utilized by the German Army, and has seen deployment in both Afghanistan and Ukraine. The German Army has placed an order for 22 new systems, with an option for an additional six units, and there are considerations for further acquisitions. These new systems are intended to replace the 14 units that were supplied to Ukraine from German Army stocks, supplemented by eight units from the Royal Netherlands Army.

Anton M Achmueller, marketing manager for combat systems at KNDS Deutschland, reported at Defence IQ’s Future Artillery conference in Paris last month that no total losses of PzH 2000 units have occurred in Ukraine. Germany has initially committed to funding 18 new PzH 2000 units for Ukraine, with the possibility of future contracts raising the total to 100 units.

The chassis for these new PzH 2000 units will be supplied by Rheinmetall from its Kassel facility. The previous production run concluded in 2002, delivering 185 units to the German Army. Many of these remaining units are expected to undergo a mid-life upgrade (MLU) to replace obsolete subsystems and potentially include a fully automatic ammunition handling system, which could reduce the crew requirement by up to two personnel.

KNDS Deutschland has proposed several enhancements for both existing and new PzH 2000 units. These include a roof-mounted remote weapon station (RWS) armed with either a 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun, cameras for enhanced situational awareness, a crew climate control system for operation in all ambient temperatures installed on the front right side of the turret, and enhanced top-attack protection for the turret. Future developments may involve replacing the current 155mm/52 caliber Rheinmetall gun with a new L52A1 version made from stronger materials to handle higher firing pressures. Additionally, Rheinmetall is developing a 155mm L60 barrel to achieve longer ranges.

Initiated in the late 1980s, the PzH 2000 project aimed to create a modern artillery system for the German Army, which led to serial production beginning in 1996. (Picture source: German MoD)

Additionally, this reentry of production follows a recent contract secured by Rheinmetall to supply a European client with a three-digit number of L/52 gun barrel systems for the PzH 2000. Announced on 27 May 2024, this contract, valued at several hundred million euros, includes deliveries scheduled between 2024 and 2029. The current PzH 2000's 155mm L52 barrel can achieve varying ranges depending on the projectile used: 25km with an L15A1 high-explosive projectile, 30km with a DM111/DM120 projectile, and 54km with a South African Denel Munitions Velocity Enhanced Artillery Projectile (VLAP). This range can be extended to 60km with a Rheinmetall extended range charge and up to 80km with the Diehl/Leonardo Vulcano guided projectile.

Various countries have acquired the PzH 2000 over the years. Croatia sourced 12 units from German Army stocks. Germany initially received 185 new units, with 14 later sent to Ukraine. Hungary is set to receive 24 new units by late 2024. Greece and Italy have procured new units, with Italy’s units built under license by OtoMelara (now Leonardo). Lithuania received 21 units from German Army stocks, and the Netherlands acquired 57 new units, 14 of which were sent to Ukraine. Qatar purchased 24 new units.

Initiated in the late 1980s, the PzH 2000 project aimed to create a modern artillery system for the German Army, which led to serial production beginning in 1996. Developed by the German companies Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall Defence, the PzH 2000 was designed to replace the aging M109 howitzers, addressing the need for an updated system with enhanced capabilities.

In operational use, the PzH 2000 features a 155mm 52-caliber gun with a chromium-plated barrel and can fire up to ten rounds per minute. It achieves ranges of 30 to 40 kilometers with standard ammunition and up to 67 kilometers with range-enhanced shells. The PzH 2000 is equipped with an automatic shell loading system and a fire control computer, enabling it to engage targets quickly and relocate after firing. Powered by an MTU 881 diesel engine, the vehicle has a maximum speed of 60 km/h and a range of 420 kilometers. The design includes welded steel armor for protection against small arms fire and shell splinters, and it supports a five-member crew.