Future Artillery 2024: PzH 2000 system improvements proposed

Proposed new capabilities for the PzH 2000 could extend its life to 2040–50. (Krauss-Maffei Wegmann)

System improvements to the Panzerhaubitze (PzH) 2000 were proposed at Defence iQ's Future Artillery 2024 conference held in Paris from 21 to 23 May to extend the lifetime of the self-propelled howitzer (SPH) to 2040–50.

Proposed new capabilities made possible by the PzH 2000's modularity include an advanced 155 mm gun firing ammunition with a range of 100 km and beyond. A related option would be an automatic charge loader, in addition to 30 ready-to-fire rounds.

Other proposed system improvements would protect the PzH 2000. This includes lightweight roof protection of the SPH against unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as a remote-controlled weapon system.

Optronics on the roof and a vision system for the driver would improve situational awareness.

There have been no fatalities among crews of the PzH 2000s donated to Ukraine, which have been effective against Russian Lancet loitering munitions, it was claimed at Future Artillery 2024.

For more information on the PzH 2000, please seePanzerhaubitze (PzH) 2000 – 155 mm/52 calibre .