Azerbaijan to Launch Production of CSG’s Czech Self-Propelled Howitzers

The Czech company CSG plans to begin production of self-propelled howitzers in Azerbaijan in 2027.

Czechoslovak Group said that the enterprise is planned to be established this year, with production set to begin in 2027.

The new company, established jointly with a local partner, will focus on the phased localization of self-propelled howitzer production, as well as the transfer of CSG’s technologies to Azerbaijan.

In accordance with the agreed confidentiality terms, CSG is not disclosing the specific types of self-propelled howitzers.

Meanwhile, the Azerbaijani Army already operates Czech self-propelled howitzers. In 2017, Azerbaijan publicly displayed its 152 mm DANA self-propelled howitzers for the first time during military exercises.

The new project is a continuation of CSG’s long-term development of its industrial activities in Azerbaijan and the development of its first joint venture, VEXA DS, whose establishment the group announced in April 2026.

CSG Artillery

Czechoslovak Group manufactures, develops, or offers through its companies a range of wheeled self-propelled howitzers, which essentially consists of the DANA family and two newer 155 mm systems – DITA and MORANA.

The Morana self-propelled howitzer was developed by Excalibur Army, a company within the CSG group. It was first unveiled in 2022 as the next generation of wheeled self-propelled artillery systems following the DITA and DANA systems.

The self-propelled howitzer is built on a modified four-axle Tatra 815-7 (8×8) chassis with an armored cab that provides the crew with protection against shell fragments and small-arms fire.

The DITA self-propelled howitzer was also developed and is manufactured by Excalibur Army, based on the concept of the Czechoslovak DANA vz. 77 wheeled self-propelled howitzer.

It features a high degree of automation: the commander does not need to operate the vehicle while it is moving into position at the firing position. Instead, he enters all the required data into the onboard computer, after which the driver receives the necessary parameters and instructions.

This system is in service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Last year, personnel of the 41st Mechanized Brigade received DITA self-propelled howitzers for service.