Germany ramps up PzH 2000 production amidst rising demand in Ukraine
German authorities have decided to resume the production of the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers. This move seems to end speculation regarding the effectiveness of this weapon, which was sent to Ukraine as part of Western support. Interestingly, the German and possibly the Ukrainian army can expect more PzH 2000 units.
The PzH-2000 (Panzerhaubitze 2000) is one of the most powerful systems in NATO's arsenal. The German self-propelled howitzer weighs approximately 57 metric tonnes (rounded to 57,000 kilograms). It is equipped with a 155 mm cannon (standard in NATO artillery) with a length of 52 calibres, allowing it to fire up to 10 shells per minute. It also offers the option of firing a five-shot salvo in MRSI mode.
Germany resumes production of the PzH 2000
According to information provided by German media, a decision has been made to resume production of the PzH 2000, which was recently suspended. The manufacturer has already received the first order, which includes 22 self-propelled howitzers, with the possibility of expanding the contract by six additional units. The first deliveries of the Panzerhaubitze 2000 from the new batch are expected to arrive to the German army by mid-2025.
Negotiations are also underway on a contract involving the PzH 2000 for Ukraine. As early as April last year, Ukraine asked Germany about possibly purchasing as many as 100 units of these self-propelled howitzers.
German weapons in Ukraine. How do they perform?
Nicholas Drummond, a former British army infantry officer and current defence industry analyst, described the news from Germany as "important." He referred to reports about problems with the PzH 2000 in Ukraine, including issues with the autoloader and mechanical failures. In his opinion, these issues only occurred in the initial phase of the war due to primarily inexperienced crews. The PzH 2000s are working on the front lines "like clockwork."
The range of the PzH 2000 depends on the type of ammunition used. With standard shells, the German equipment can destroy targets at a distance of up to approximately 22 miles (rounded from 35 kilometres). Still, when using shells with a gas generator or additional rocket propulsion, the range increases to around 28 miles (from 45 kilometres) and around 40 miles (from 64 kilometres), respectively. The PzH 2000 system's cannon is mounted on a tracked chassis, which, with an engine power of nearly 1,000 horsepower, it has quite good mobility.
