Ukraine badly needs strong artillery. Russia has a huge advantage in both the number of troops and weapons, so Ukraine must be ahead in terms of technology and the quality of its weapons. That is why the Netherlands is buying nine outstanding DITA self-propelled howitzers for Ukraine. This artillery system has some amazing capabilities.
DITA 155mm howitzer in 2021. Image credit: Michał Derela via Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The DITA is a highly advanced Czech-made self-propelled 155 mm howitzer, based on the earlier DANA. The DANA is a Czechoslovak self-propelled eight-wheel howitzer, in service since 1981. Mobility and speed have always been the main advantages of the DANA, which Ukraine also enjoys. But the DANA is a 152.4 mm howitzer, which is the old Eastern Bloc and Russian standard. Meanwhile, the DITA is a modern interpretation of this weapon, which not only has a lot of impressive technology, but also fires 155 mm rounds.
Why is the calibre important? It is already difficult for the West to supply Ukraine with artillery shells. However, finding 155 mm shells is a bit easier because it is the NATO standard. Such ammunition is produced in Western countries, and although it is also in short supply, it will be easier to produce larger quantities of such shells in the future than to find old Soviet 152.4 mm ammunition.
The DITA is an artillery system of impressive capabilities, made for speed. The location of the opposing artillery can be determined by the flight trajectory of the projectiles – there are counter-battery radars for this purpose. Sometimes it’s best to arrive at the firing site, fire a few shots, and leave before the enemy can fire back – this tactic is called shoot-and-scoot.
🇳🇱🇺🇦 “The DITA howitzer is a modern firing system that can hit targets tens of kilometers away. That is why the Netherlands recently ordered 9 howitzers for Ukraine in the Czech Republic”, – MoD of the Netherlands pic.twitter.com/mYmSQtvBZz
— MAKS 23 🇺🇦👀 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) February 28, 2024
The DITA is based on a Tatra 8×8 chassis with a 300 kW engine. On the road, this howitzer moves at 80-90 km/h without problems. It is good off-road as well. After arriving at the intended firing location, DITA prepares for shooting in less than 60 seconds. The hydraulic support legs are lowered, the howitzer barrel is automatically raised and directed towards the target, and the automatic loader begins to operate. The DITA can fire 6 shots per minute. Then the howitzer prepares to move in less than 60.
Best of all, the crew sits safely in an armoured, air-conditioned cab. The crew of DITA consists of only 2-3 people who work far from the ammunition compartment.
The Netherlands is buying 9 Czech DITA howitzers for Ukraine. Just that they may take some time to arrive, because it is a completely new weapon and who knows how quickly these systems can be produced. In any case, Ukraine will need good artillery for a long time and DITA is a good tool to have.
The Netherlands buys a lot of weapons for Ukraine. The Commander of the Dutch Armed Forces, General Onno Eichelsheim himself visited the Czech Republic and inspected not only the DITA howitzers, but also the VERA-NG radar system. He emphasized that military support for Ukraine is still the highest priority of the Netherlands.
Previously, the Netherlands ordered 100 MR-2 anti-aircraft guns from Czech manufacturers and together with the USA and Denmark bought 100 modernized T-72 tanks. The Netherlands thus became one of the main customers of the Czech arms industry. But, of course, with the goal of transferring everything to Ukraine.
General Onno Eichelsheim also echoed what most European leaders are now saying – Europe needs to ramp up its own arms production not only for Ukraine, but also for its own security.
Written by Povilas M.
Sources: The Netherlands Ministry of Defence, Wikipedia