Training of Ukrainians on PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers demonstrated in Germany
5 May, 2024 Panzerhaubitze (PzH) 2000 ACS. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Germany Ukrainian artillerymen are undergoing training in Germany on Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH 2000) self-propelled howitzers.
The Bundeswehr published a video of the training process on its official X page (ex-Twitter). Ukrainian soldiers are being trained within the framework of the European Union's training mission for Ukraine, called the European Union Military Assistance Mission in Ukraine (EUMAM UA). The short video captures foreign instructors and servicemen of the Ukrainian Armed Forces undergoing training first on indoor trainers and then on the PzH 2000 howitzers.
The PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer trainer in Germany, 2024.
Frame from the Bundeswehr video
According to one Ukrainian military officer, the modern 155-mm self-propelled howitzers that Ukraine will receive as part of international military assistance, including from Germany, will provide the Armed Forces of Ukraine with more capabilities in the fight against the Russian invaders. The PzH 2000 is compared to the Soviet-era artillery systems that were in service with the Ukrainian army before the full-scale invasion.
Ukrainian military's PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer near Soledar. January 2023, Ukraine.
Frame from The Sun video
This winter, the German government announced that in addition to the 14 PzH 2000 tracked self-propelled howitzers transferred in 2022, Germany will supply Ukraine with 18 more such systems in 2026 and 2027, along with shells and spare parts. This military assistance will also include crew training and 155-mm ammunition for artillery systems. In addition to the 18 RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled guns previously ordered for Ukraine, the German government will also supply a second batch of 18 such new self-propelled howitzers from the end of 2025 to 2027.
These 36 artillery systems were part of a EUR1.13 billion package of German military aid announced in February 2024.
PzH 2000
PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer. Photo credits: German media
The Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH 2000) is a modern German self-propelled howitzer on a tracked chassis.
The turret armor provides protection against small arms and artillery shell debris. The main armament of the PzH 2000 is a 155mm howitzer with a 52-caliber barrel length, installed in a circular rotation turret. The maximum range of fire with a standard projectile is 30 km and 40 km with rocket-assisted ammunition.
Ukraine received DM121 and M1712A1 shells with a firing range of 30 km.