Netherlands to purchase Czech-made DITA howitzers for Ukraine

Europe, News March 4, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

The Netherlands has announced a procurement agreement with Czech military contractors for advanced self-propelled artillery systems, known as DITA, to Ukraine.

Two Czech defense contractors have been given the contract to provide the nine units of 155mm guns to Ukraine, the Dutch defense ministry announced without revealing the order details.

The weaponry is a part of a larger procurement order by the Dutch government. The contract with the two Czech arms contractors is aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense against ongoing Russian attacks. General Onno Eichelsheim, the Commander of the Dutch Armed Forces, paid a visit to the arms production facility in the Czech Republic last week to finalize the order.

The total amount of the acquisition deal accounts for up to $100 million. “Ukraine is in great need of these weapons. That is why the Netherlands recently ordered nine such howitzers for Ukraine,” the Dutch Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

Following the footsteps of its fellow NATO member states, the Netherlands is preparing to sign a security agreement with Ukraine for the next ten years. This agreement signals the Netherlands’ commitment to supporting Ukraine in the areas of security, defense, reconstruction, and justice for an extended period, the Dutch defense ministry said.

Earlier, the Netherlands ordered 100 MP-2 anti-aircraft systems from the Czech Republic, and in a joint effort with the United States and Denmark, modernized 100 T-72 battle tanks.

DITA self-propelled howitzer

Manufactured by the Excalibur Army, the DITA features a 155mm L45 gun with a firing range of up to 39 kilometers using NATO HE base bleed standard ammunition. The turret can accommodate 40 rounds of ammunition, enhancing operational endurance on the battlefield.

The DITA stands out for its remarkable modular design, enabling installation on diverse wheeled or tracked chassis with customizable modifications. This adaptability significantly improves its performance across various operational environments.

This self-propelled artillery system excels with a rapid rate of fire, managed by a minimal crew of two members – the driver and the commander. With its modern Onboard Control System, the DITA ensures swift deployment and withdrawal from firing positions, showcasing superior accuracy and terrain maneuverability.

It carries 40 artillery rounds and can transition to traveling mode within 45 seconds, making it one of the most remarkable mobile defense systems. The 8×8 Tatra truck-mounted howitzer travels up to 90 kilometers per hour on paved roads with a range of more than 600 kilometers.

*^{DITA 155 mm self-propelled howitzers. (Image Credit: Excalibur Army)}*

Furthermore, the DITA incorporates advanced features such as Automatic Setting of Action Position (ASAP), ammunition management, and an inertial navigation system. These capabilities significantly enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness, enabling swift execution of tasks on the battlefield.