Bohdana Howitzer Manufacturer Launches Production of Gun Barrels for BAE Systems’ Western Artillery Systems

Kramatorsk Heavy Machine Tool Plant (KZVV) has established production of gun barrels for Western artillery systems as part of an agreement with BAE Systems.

A company representative said this in an interview with the publication Oboronka.

According to the representative, the company is cooperating with BAE Systems, which primarily orders gun barrels in Ukraine for artillery systems currently in service with the Defense Forces of Ukraine. These include the M777, AS-90, L119, FH70, Krab, and Archer, as well as Tridon anti-aircraft systems.

Kramatorsk Heavy Machine Tool Plant (KZVV) states that it has the technological capability to manufacture gun barrels in calibers ranging from 25 mm to 203 mm. The plant currently produces barrels in 25 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 105 mm, 122 mm, 125 mm, and 155 mm calibers.

A company representative noted that expanding production to other calibers depends primarily on the availability of government orders.

In addition to BAE Systems, Kramatorsk Heavy Machine Tool Plant (KZVV) cooperates with major European defense companies, including Leonardo, KNDS, and Rheinmetall.

Overall, the company states that it cooperates with 105 European companies and emphasizes that the production of Western-designed systems is carried out under licensing agreements.

A representative of Kramatorsk Heavy Machine Tool Plant (KZVV) also reported that a project is underway to supply Germany with 200 Ukrainian self-propelled howitzers mounted on Mercedes chassis.

According to the representative, these are Marta howitzers equipped with 39-caliber-length gun barrels. Delivery of the vehicles is scheduled for 2027, while the project was previously estimated to be worth €750 million.

Kramatorsk Heavy Machine Tool Plant (KZVV) has obtained a license to manufacture 105 mm L119 howitzers, which were previously supplied to Ukraine as part of military assistance.