Ukrainian Azov Brigade unveils cutting-edge DITA howitzer
Soldiers from the Azov Brigade showcased a DITA howitzer from the Czech Republic. Let’s explore what it can do.
The Ukrainian "Azov" Brigade, despite ideological controversies, is one of the most motivated and best-commanded units in Ukraine. Its soldiers are often deployed to the most challenging frontlines or called upon to relieve other encircled Ukrainian units, as was the case around Toretsk.
For this reason, they are also among the first units to receive modern Western equipment. Below, you can watch a recording where they present their experience with the Czech DITA howitzer. This equipment likely comes from a batch funded by the Netherlands.
Ukrainian soldier from the Azov Brigade about the DITA howitzer
The commander of the DITA howitzer from the 12th Brigade, codenamed "Vorzel," reports that it enables them to strike targets up to a maximum of 39 kilometres away. Additionally, the Ukrainian greatly values the automation of the howitzer, which essentially requires only two soldiers to operate.
"DITA won’t allow you to do anything that could damage it. For instance, it won’t let us fire while moving or without the supports extended; however, there is an option to switch to manual mode if the electronics fail. It basically allows for all necessary operations because, among other features, a traditional artillery sight is also available."
"Vorzel" also highly regards the mission planning system, which can be set up easily in the rear where there are no GPS issues and saved in the system's memory with a digital map. Furthermore, the Ukrainian praises the overall effectiveness of the system, which reduces the likelihood of being targeted due to its excellent mobility, and requests the delivery of more howitzers.
DITA howitzer — old DANA adapted to NATO standards
The new version of the DITA howitzer is a thorough modernisation of the vz.77 DANA system, whose greatest asset is the use of a cannon in the NATO calibre of 155 mm. This cannon is mounted in a turret on a chassis known from DANA (Tatra 815 VP31), albeit with significant modifications.
The most important of these modifications is the new hydraulic support deployment system, which significantly reduces the time needed to prepare and vacate a combat position. This is crucial in artillery operations, where adversaries use artillery radars to quickly locate firing positions based on the trajectory of fired shells.
DITA is also equipped with an additional APU power generator, providing electrical power for all onboard electronics, generating less heat, and using less fuel than the main engine. The crew resides in a hermetically sealed and armoured cabin that meets the requirements of STANAG 4569 Level I. This cabin provides protection against artillery shell fragments up to 155 mm, as well as short-range firearm fire.
The DITA howitzer can hit targets up to 39 kilometres away using shells with a base bleed. More distant targets can be engaged using rocket-assisted projectiles, such as the M549A1 or guided Vulcano GLR, if integrated with the onboard computer.
The cannon achieves a maximum firing rate of 6 rounds per minute, although this may decrease to 5 rounds per minute over time. It's noteworthy that the loading automation manages both shells and propellant charges; the crew's only task is to screw in the fuses and load the shells with propellant charges into the magazine, which holds 40 shells and charges.
DITA can be deployed or evacuated in under a minute. Additionally, it can fire in MRSI mode, allowing for three shells to almost simultaneously hit a target. All of this makes it one of the best artillery systems in the arsenal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
