Germany announced the delivery of 12 Pzh 2000, but will they be enough? The German Panzerhaubitze 2000 (Pzh 2000) howitzers are being deployed to aid Ukraine amidst heavy Russian artillery and air attacks. These advanced and powerful weapons are intended to provide crucial support to the Ukrainian forces, potentially influencing the outcome of specific battles. The Pzh 2000s are sophisticated and highly effective, capable of destroying targets with precision from a distance of up to 40 kilometers, while remaining largely unseen by the enemy. Their high mobility and advanced targeting systems enhance their strategic value on the battlefield.
Despite their potency, the Pzh 2000s face significant challenges. The Ukrainian forces must integrate these howitzers effectively within their existing military infrastructure, and ensure proper coordination among the crew and with other units. The complexity of the system requires thorough training, which the Ukrainian soldiers are currently receiving in Germany.
However, while these howitzers could make a substantial difference locally, they are unlikely to be decisive in the overall conflict. The Russian forces, with their extensive artillery capabilities and focused efforts to identify and destroy these powerful assets, present a formidable adversary. Therefore, while the Pzh 2000s will be a significant asset for Ukraine, they are not expected to be game-changers in the broader war against Russia. Youtube: Welt
A Lancet drone struck the Pzh 2000 ontop of the hull just right of the driver hatch. The Hedgehog armor fully absorbed the impact, only resulting in fragmentation damage on the thermal sleeve and driver periscope.
We actually say that the barrel has to be changed after about 4,500 shots. But the Ukrainians shoot up to 20,000 shots - normally impossible.
Autoloader in action
2023.07.08
The Pzh 2000 can load and fire shells in under 6 seconds. Here a few clips showing it in action in Ukraine
▶︎
▶︎
▶︎
Unaffected (UA)operational
Pzh 2000 under counter battery fire
2023.09.04
A Pzh 2000 was targeted by counter battery fire in its hiding location. According to the report, the Pzh 2000 was undamaged.
▶︎
155mm Vulcano
2023.09.12
Pzh 2000 firing Vulcano 155 with a max range of 70km. The autoloader here is not used, as the shells were likely programmed before hand, and had to be fired in a specific sequence.
▶︎
155mm SMArt
2023.10.01
155mm SMArt and 155mm BONUS have shown to be highly effective against enemy armor in this conflict.
Here can 8x SMArt shells be seen in the belly of the Pzh 2000.
▶︎
Here are a few clips showing the round in action, destroying Russian armor.
▶︎
▶︎
▶︎
▶︎
▶︎
Destruction of T-90M
▶︎
Two tank kills with one SMArt. Killing two birds with one stone, is possible thanks to SMart 155 carrying two submunitions.
▶︎
▶︎
▶︎
▶︎
▶︎
▶︎
2024.07.09 - Another T-90 destroyed (47.44412°N 35.65403°E)
Pzh 2000 programming and firing 155mm Smoke shells (DM125).
▶︎
Resilient Performance (RP)operational
Pzh 2000 hit by Lancet
2024.02.01
Recently, Russian sources announced the alleged destruction of the second PzH 2000 self-propelled guns, distributing this video. According to available information, the enemy has already made many attempts to hit these self-propelled guns, but none of the attempts were successful. During the entire period of operation of these machines, only two hits with lancets were documented, and in both cases the armor withstood the blows, all were alive and well.
▶︎
Marginal Usability (MU)recovered
Pzh 2000 immobilized by Lancet
2024.05.17
This Pzh was hit on the front left near the engine exhaust by a Lancet drone. The crew temporary abandoned the tank. The Pzh was recovered shortly after.
▶︎
Resilient Performance (RP)operational
Pzh 2000 in the eye of counter battery
2024.06.03 - 48.42431°N 37.78167°E
This Pzh 2000 was targeted multiple times with counter battery fire. In the videos we can see fire near its hideout location, however as ammunition is often stored outside the vehicle, it is very possible that this ammunition was hit and not the vehicle.
▶︎
▶︎
▶︎
The aftermath picture clearly shows no sign of a wreckage. The location of the fire is also some 50 meters from where the Pzh was hiding in the video.
Mapping the video frames ontop the map, one can clearly see that the fire observed in the video does not match the location of the Pzh 2000 hiding spot.
The FAZ visited a Ukrainian PzH 2000 crew near Toretsk and spoke with them for example about Russian videos allegedly showing the destruction of their PzH 2000.
The crew, however, stated that there are plenty — including this one — videos out there only showing near missed so far as they are still working on the same PzH 2000 in the same area. “Once they did hit the pit with the powder (meaning shells?)” — That could well have been the case here in this video.
Resilient Performance (RP)operational
Pzh 2000 hit by Lancet
2024.06.10
Another attempt by a Lancet to strike the armored turret of the Pzh 2000, but like in previous attempts, the armor likely withstood the attack.
▶︎
operational
Interview with Andrii Kobzar
2024.06.18
Multiple hits on the roof of the Pzh 2000 nicknamed "Tina" and on the driver hatch by Lancet and artillery. None managed to penetrate the armor.
The additional armor on the PzH 2000, including extra space between the main and additional armor, offers better protection against drones like Lancets.
The PzH 2000 has shown a lower rate of crew casualties and vehicle losses in combat. Losses are minimal compared to the Krab, which has seen significant losses and incidents of detonation.
One Pzh 2000 was hit by 5 Lancet drones, and only had to undergo some smaller repairs.
To date, no PzH 2000 has been completely destroyed in combat. The system’s robust design and effective armor have prevented total loss.
Despite taking several hits in combat, there have been no recorded fatalities or severe injuries among the PzH 2000 crews. The vehicle's design prioritizes crew protection, ensuring that personnel remain safe inside the armored compartment during engagements.
Robust structures like strong trees or mesh "huts" can provide further protection.
Smart Munitions:
Kobzar's team used SMART shells effectively, achieving high accuracy and lethality.
SMART shells' submunitions identify and destroy targets using advanced sensors.
With 100 shells they destroyed 41 tanks, and many more BMPs, trucks and towed guns, likely close to 100 targets.
Barrel Longevity and Maintenance:
PzH 2000 barrels have a lifespan of 6,500 shots at an average charge, significantly higher than Soviet systems.
Proper maintenance and usage can extend the barrel life beyond initial estimates.
Drone Countermeasures:
Protection against drones includes camouflage, detection tools, and electronic warfare systems.
Observers play a crucial role in spotting and alerting about incoming drones.
Comparative Analysis of Tracked and Wheeled Chassis:
Both types have pros and cons; tracked chassis can carry heavier armor, providing better protection against modern threats like FPV drones and Lancets.
Wheeled chassis are more maneuverable but offer less protection.
Tracked systems like PzH 2000 provide significant crew protection with better armor compared to wheeled systems like Caesar.
Preference for PzH 2000:
PzH 2000 is highly regarded for its protection, automation, and ease of use compared to other systems like AHS Krab.
Its survivability and crew safety are significantly better, as evidenced by lower verified losses and fatal crew incidents compared to other systems.
Background and Service History
Background and Service History:
Andriy Kobzar has been a member of UNSO since the 1990s.
Served in the 820th Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 128th Motorized Rifle Division (now 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade) from 1997-1998 on a 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer.
In September 2014, joined the 44th Separate Artillery Brigade, working on the 2A65 Msta-B howitzer.
Participated in battles at Bakhmutivskaya highway and the Horlivskyi direction.
Demobilized in September 2015.
Rejoining and Combat Experience in 2022:
On the first day of the full-scale invasion in 2022, he and a comrade gathered a group of artillerymen and insisted on immediate deployment.
Joined the 43rd Artillery Brigade, operating the 2S7 Pion self-propelled gun.
Fought in battles near Brovary, Berezan, Izium, Lyman, and Bakhmut directions.
Sent to Germany in mid-July 2022 for training on the Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH 2000) at the Artillery School in Idar-Oberstein.
Training and Deployment on PzH 2000:
Became a gun commander after one and a half months of training.
Deployed with German howitzers to Bakhmut in November 2022, followed by missions in Svatove, Siversk, and Soledar.
Injuries and Losses:
On May 16, 2023, Andriy was severely wounded and concussed; a fellow crew member was killed by a cumulative submunition KOBE 3B30 while they were waiting outside for orders.
As a result of his injury he was discharged from the Military, and is now collecting support for his unit.
Resilient Performance (RP)operational
Pzh 2000 with impacts on its addon armor
2024.06.15
Damage on the addon armor of Pzh 2000 nickname "Alexandra", likely from bomblets or counter battery.
Unaffected (UA)operational
Pzh 2000 missed by Lancet
2024.06.20
Pzh 2000 often hidden in trees makes it difficult for drones to target it, often causing them to hit trees instead, as it was the case here.
▶︎
Unaffected (UA)operational
Pzh 2000 missed by Lancet
2024.06.23
▶︎
Unaffected (UA)operational
Pzh 2000 missed by Lancet
2024.06.23
▶︎
Resilient Performance (RP)operational
Pzh 2000 targeted by Lancet
2024.07.03
In the Volchansky direction this Pzh 2000 (unverified) was targeted by a Lancet drone and appears to have impacted its left turret side. To the untrained eye it might seem like the impact resulted in a fire on the vehicle, hower that is not the case.
▶︎
In the closeup we can see the vehicle in blue, being nowhere near the fire that is being observed (red). It is likely that just like previous cases, the nearby open air ammunition storage caught fire.
All clips of SMArt/Bonus 155mm impacts can be found here. 
