Territorial Defense Forces Receive Czech-Made Dana-M2 Self-Propelled Artillery Systems

Artillery crews of Ukraine’s 122nd Territorial Defense Brigade have been equipped with Czech 152 mm wheeled Dana-M2 self-propelled artillery systems.

The brigade reported that personnel are currently undergoing training to master the new equipment.

A typical exercise involves moving to a firing position, rapidly deploying, receiving target coordinates, calculating the number of rounds, and opening fire.

According to the troops, the Dita is highly effective, and they are eager to test its capabilities in combat.

The Dana-M2 is a modernized version of the Czechoslovak ShKH vz. 77 DANA howitzer, developed by the Czech defense firm Excalibur Army.

The Czechoslovak ShKH vz. 77 DANA howitzer itself was developed in former Czechoslovakia in 1970s.

The new self-propelled howitzer features an upgraded cabin and a modern fire control system. It includes an automated firing mode, allowing the commander to enter target data directly.

The artillery system is built on the Tatra-815-VP31-M chassis with an 8×8 wheel configuration.

According to the manufacturer, the maximum firing range is between 20 and 25.5 kilometers, depending on the type of ammunition used.

Before Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine had considered acquiring these howitzers. The manufacturer previously reported the production of 26 Dana-M2 self-propelled guns for Ukraine.

In 2020, it was revealed that the contract for purchasing the Dana-M2s from Czech firm Excalibur Army had been signed in 2018.

The decision by the Ukrainian military followed an assessment and comparison of available artillery systems of this type and their compliance with modern technical requirements, conducted by specialists from the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.