Russia claims rare victory with capture of German howitzer
For years, the Russians have been trying to capture one of the few German PzH 2000 howitzers. It took them nearly three years to achieve success. We explain what this system is.
Footage has appeared online of an FPV drone, controlled via fibre optics, hitting a German PzH 2000 howitzer. It has sparked euphoria on Russian Telegram channels, as if the Russians had once again captured Berlin. Many Russian vehicles have inscriptions suggesting a fight until Berlin is captured.
In the video below, you can see the drone hitting the rear part of the turret, where highly flammable powder charges are located. However, if the crew was inside the PzH 2000, they were likely safe, because the ammunition magazine in this howitzer is isolated from the crew by an armoured barrier that is only opened briefly to load a projectile or powder charge. Towards the end of the video, characteristic white smoke is visible.
However, it does not change the fact that the howitzer will be out of operation due to the need for a major overhaul. This would be the first or perhaps the second loss, counting the abandoned piece from May 2024.
PzH 2000— a modern yet delicate howitzer
Ukraine received 27 PzH 2000 howitzers delivered by Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy. These advanced 155 mm artillery systems are among the most valued by Ukraine despite maintenance issues. They feature excellent crew protection and outstanding combat capabilities but are also complex and demanding in terms of maintenance.
Unlike the Polish Krabs, the PzH 2000s are more sensitive to errors related to technical culture and crew training, which initially resulted in more frequent malfunctions than participation in frontline operations.
PzH 2000 - firepower, armour, and mobility
The Panzerhaubitze 2000 is a large, 63-tonne howitzer on a tracked chassis, equipped with a 155-millimetre gun with a length of 52 calibres and an automatic loader, allowing it to fire up to 10 rounds per minute. Importantly, the PzH 2000 has a fully isolated ammunition magazine holding 60 rounds ready for immediate use. Additionally, reloading takes only 12 minutes, significantly reducing the risk of equipment damage during loading.
The PzH 2000 howitzers can fire in MRSI mode (Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact), allowing multiple rounds to hit the target simultaneously. The "trick" involves using different angles during firing, with the first shots at a steep angle and subsequent ones flatter. The ability to fire a five-round volley over a distance exceeding 19 kilometres makes them exceptionally effective on the battlefield.
The range of firing depends on the ammunition used. For the cheapest DM121, it is approximately 30 kilometres. For rounds with a gas generator it is 40 kilometres. Rocket-assisted projectiles like the M549A1 can exceed 50 kilometres, and guided sub-calibre Vulcano GLR projectiles can hit a target at a distance of 70-80 kilometres. Additionally, the PzH 2000 can function as a tank destroyer using SMArt 155 self-guiding shells.
All this combined with the mobility provided by a 1,000 HP engine and armour reinforced with ceramic-rubber mats (Igelpanzerung) makes it a highly effective piece of equipment as long as it has the appropriate technical support.
