Netherlands bolsters Ukraine's defense with DITA howitzers
The Netherlands has announced that it is procuring an additional batch of DITA howitzers from the Czech Excalibur Army for Ukraine. Here, we present the performance of the DANA howitzer, now modified to the NATO calibre.
During the European Council meeting, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Denmark announced in a joint statement the purchase of 155 mm calibre artillery ammunition for Ukraine, slated for delivery in 2025. The Netherlands' contribution totals £224 million. In addition to the ammunition procurement, the Dutch ordered six DITA howitzers.
This follows a similar move in February 2024, when nine howitzers were ordered for Ukraine. This is substantial aid for Ukraine, where each modern artillery system, capable of firing at ranges of 31 kilometres or 40 kilometres with standard ammunition, is invaluable.
DITA — the old DANA with modifications and adaptation to NATO calibre
The modern DITA howitzer represents a significant upgrade of the well-renowned vz.77 DANA system. It is outfitted with a 155 mm NATO calibre gun and a barrel length of 45 calibres. The gun is mounted in a turret on the same chassis as the DANA (Tatra 815 VP31), which has seen notable modifications.
Key changes include alterations to the hydraulic support extension system, drastically reducing the time required to assume and leave a firing position. This is crucial during artillery engagements where both sides employ artillery radars. This technology allows them to target opponents based solely on the projectiles fired.
DITA also features an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) generator, which powers all onboard electronics. Compared to the main engine, the APU generates less heat and consumes less fuel. Additionally, digitisation and automation have reduced the crew to just two soldiers.
These soldiers operate from a sealed, armoured cabin meeting the STANAG 4569 Level I standard. This cabin provides protection against artillery shell fragments up to 155 mm calibre and small arms fire from close range.
The DITA howitzer can effectively engage targets up to 39 kilometres away using gas generator shells and more when employing rocket-assisted shells like the M549A1. Its maximum rate of fire is six rounds per minute, which drops to five rounds per minute after sustained firing.
DITA can be ready to fire or move from its position in under a minute. It can execute MRSI (Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact) mode, allowing up to three projectiles to hit the target almost simultaneously.
