Strategic independence: Ukraine's need for its own howitzers
Soviet artillery relies on 152mm shells, while NATO uses 155mm. As Ukraine depends on Western ammunition, it needs 155mm howitzers. Developing domestic battery is a costly and risky endeavor, but it comes with advantages:- Cost savings: Domestic howitzers require less spending, with taxes partially returning to the government;
- Efficient maintenance: The army can quickly repair equipment, buy spare parts, and provide feedback for improvements;
- Swift procurement: Unlike waiting for foreign arms, domestic production ensures timely access, avoiding delays and potential licensing issues.
Just in time: Ukraine's Bohdana Howitzer passes trial under fire
Developing self-propelled artillery is challenging, with each component and the entire system facing significant stress during firing. The barrel requires high-quality steel alloys and precise processing, while the chassis must handle 28 tons of load and the force of firing, and the armor protects against mines and fragments. The Kramatorsk Heavy Machine Building Plant handled barrel development in Ukraine, and the Kremenchuk Automobile Plant provided the armored truck. Although the development cost is undisclosed, most expenses were covered by the Ministry of Defense. The seven-year journey of developing Bohdana began in 2015, and in 2018, the howitzer was first shown at the Independence Day parade. However, a year later, development was put on pause. The Ministry of Defense and the developer argued over who should import the 155 mm shells needed for testing, which Ukraine had yet to produce domestically. The original plan was for Bohdana to enter serial production in 2020. However, preliminary firing tests were only completed in January 2022, a month before Russia's full-scale invasion.
"When development began, Soviet GOST standards and procedures from 1964 were still in effect, requiring years of research and reams of paperwork. Putin ‘helped’ simplify and accelerate all processes," noted one of the developers.
Bohdana in action: a formidable force on the field
Bohdana gained prominence during the Battle for Zmiinyi (Snake) Island in the Black Sea in July 2022, where it worked alongside the French howitzer Caesar. This victory opened maritime trade routes for Ukraine and forced Russia to negotiate a grain deal.
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"Bohdana does not have an autoloader. The shell weighs over 40 kilograms. This slows down the rate of fire and can lead to back problems for the gunners. There are many such cases along the entire front line," said Volodymyr Shchetinin, a developer of electronic systems for Ukrainian artillery.The developers explain that the lack of complex automated systems makes the self-propelled howitzer more suitable for quick field repairs. However, the design documentation does provide for a full-fledged autoloader, so it will likely appear later.
"If the first shell misses the target, the second one from the Bohdana will definitely hit it," said one military man with experience operating the system.Bohdana can hit targets at a range of 42 km, equal to Caesar’s, and in its perfected version, it will boast a firing rate of up to seven rounds per minute.
Bohdana vs. Caesar: Ukraine's affordable artillery game-changer
Ukrainian self-propelled artillery, often compared to the French Caesar, holds a significant advantage in its price and accessibility. While Caesar costs approximately $5 million globally, Bohdana, claimed to be half as expensive by developers, becomes a crucial asset for the Ukrainian army facing losses in Western artillery on the front lines and reduced supplies from allies. Additionally, Bohdana eliminates the need to retrain Soviet-era artillery operators and is easily repairable."Comparing Bohdana to Caesar is like comparing a [old Soviet car] Zaporozhets to a [good German car] Mercedes. The difference is noticeable even in the details. Bohdana may not be an artillery dream, but in conditions of limited resources, it might be the only viable option for the Armed Forces of Ukraine," noted Shchetinin.
Ukraine's global artillery contender
Ukraine's Bohdana could emerge as the country's primary 155mm artillery system amid wartime use. With mass production underway and battlefield success, it holds global appeal potential. Indeed, NATO countries are unlikely buyers, as they invest in expensive technologies from established companies. Competition here is high, with major arms manufacturers ramping up production and showcasing developments against Russia. However, countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America may need help acquiring costly artillery, with Western manufacturers sometimes refusing sales. Perhaps the market for Bohdana lies in this niche—affordability and reliability. Regardless, Ukrainian arms exports remain restricted amid the ongoing war, as everything produced goes to the front lines. This limitation grants Bohdana manufacturers time to refine its design for potential future exports. Read more:- Ukraine ramps up weapons production with US, Italian support
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