PzH 2000 Self-Propelled Howitzer

PzH 2000 Self-Propelled Howitzer

Type: Self-Propelled Howitzer

Domain: land

Country of Origin: Germany

Manufacturer: Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KNDS) / Rheinmetall

Overview

German 155mm/52-calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer — widely regarded as the world's most advanced conventional artillery system with unmatched rate of fire, range, and automation. Netherlands is joint development partner and major operator with 57 PzH 2000 systems delivered 2003-2008. Features fully automated ammunition handling system with 60 ready rounds, world-record rate of fire (3 rounds in 10 seconds, 10 rounds in 56 seconds, or 5 rounds/minute sustained), Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) capability where 5 rounds impact target simultaneously from single gun, maximum range of 40+ km with standard ammunition or 67+ km with rocket-assisted projectiles and base-bleed, inertial navigation and GPS enabling autonomous operations without external survey, advanced fire control computer calculating ballistic solutions in seconds, and shoot-and-scoot capability. Powered by MTU 1,000 hp diesel providing road speed of 67 km/h. Weight 57 tonnes. Crew of 5. The automation enables PzH 2000 to deliver devastating fire missions rapidly displacing before counter-battery fire arrives. Dutch PzH 2000 deployed to Afghanistan 2006 providing fire support for ISAF operations — longest-range artillery engagement in history at 38 km. Netherlands donated 8-12 PzH 2000 to Ukraine 2022-2023 where they have been combat-proven with exceptional performance engaging Russian forces at extended ranges. Germany, Italy, Croatia, Lithuania also operate PzH 2000.

Technical Specifications

crew5
range30 km (standard); 40 km (base-bleed); 56 km (Vulcano guided)
engineMTU diesel (1,000 hp)
weight~55 tonnes
caliber155mm / 52-caliber
ammo_stowage60 rounds ready
manufacturerKMW, Germany
rate_of_fire8–10 rounds/min (burst); 3 rounds/min sustained

Operators

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