Modern and promising modifications of the PzH 2000 self-propelled gun
A serial PzH 2000 A1 of the West German Army. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
In the second half of the nineties, Germany began serial production of the latest self-propelled artillery Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled guns. These vehicles soon entered service with the Bundeswehr, and were later supplied to third countries. During its production and service life, the PzH 2000 self-propelled gun underwent several significant upgrades. Currently, a modification designated A4 is in production, while the next version, designated A5, is being developed in parallel.
Experienced Technique
As a reminder, work on the future PzH 2000 self-propelled gun began in 1987. During the first phase, two West German consortiums developed their own versions of the promising self-propelled gun, and each built and tested one prototype. During testing, the prototype from Wegmann and MaK-Systemgesellschaft performed better. The Bundeswehr selected this project for further development.
In the early 1990s, four experimental self-propelled guns were built under this design. They underwent the necessary testing, and based on the results, the original design was refined. In the middle of the decade, another prototype was built, which served to refine the future technical design of the self-propelled guns for production.
During this period, the self-propelled gun development program received the designation Panzerhaubitze 2000. Accordingly, the existing prototype was designated the PzH 2000 A0. The prototype demonstrated its strengths and weaknesses and helped refine the design. This primarily involved changes to the onboard fire control electronics. The A0 design was refined, and ultimately, the vehicle's final technical design was determined.
First modifications
In the mid-1990s, Wegmann and Rheinmetall Landsysteme (formerly MaK-Systemgesellschaft) received an order to produce a self-propelled gun for the Bundeswehr. The first production version of the combat vehicle was designated the PzH 2000 A1. Other countries subsequently ordered similar vehicles.
PzH 2000 A2 with a modified electronics suite. Photo by KMW / KNDS
In the mid-2000s, development of a new modernization project, the PzH 2000 A2, began. It included updating the onboard electronics, including the fire control system, to improve fire accuracy, response time, tactical capabilities, and more. Furthermore, the self-propelled gun received a 1,9 kW auxiliary power unit to power the new equipment. A full-fledged air conditioner was also added.
The PzH 2000 A2 was mass-produced for Germany and several other customers. Furthermore, some previously produced self-propelled guns were converted to this design during major overhauls. The A1 and A2 versions of the self-propelled guns currently form the backbone of the Bundeswehr's self-propelled artillery fleet, as well as that of foreign customers.
The next step in the development of the PzH 2000 was supposed to be the A3 project. Based on experience with the self-propelled gun in local conflicts, it was proposed to strengthen the hull's mine protection and make other changes. However, at the turn of the 2000s and 2010s, such changes were deemed impractical and uneconomical. Full-scale development of the PzH 2000 A3 modification was abandoned.
Modern series
Production of the PzH 2000 self-propelled gun continues to this day. KNDS Deutschland, which acquired the rights to the project after all the changes, is now responsible for the project's development and production. Recently, it once again accepted the German Army's wishes and developed another modification, the A4.
The PzH 2000 A4 has now entered serial production, but the first batch of these vehicles remains in the assembly lines. They are scheduled to be delivered to the Bundeswehr by the end of 2025. Additionally, an order has been placed for the assembly of self-propelled guns for delivery to Ukraine.
German self-propelled guns on the highway. Photo courtesy of the German Ministry of Defense.
Existing contracts call for the assembly of several dozen self-propelled guns by 2027. Whether all orders will be completed on schedule remains to be seen. However, KNDS is optimistic and expects to soon receive new orders from various countries.
Project A4
The current version of the PzH 2000 A4 self-propelled gun retains the core features and components of the previous A2 modification. It utilizes the same hull and turret, main and auxiliary power units, armament, and other components. Changes have only affected the onboard electronic systems. By replacing key instruments and devices, it is reported that key combat performance has been improved and the potential of the existing armament can be utilized more fully.
Previous production versions of the self-propelled guns were equipped with the EADS MICMOS fire control and battlefield computer. It was based on components from the 1990s and was long outdated. KNDS Deutschland developed a new computer, the Centurion, for the A4 self-propelled gun. It uses modern components that improve performance and efficiency, while also reducing its size.
The fire control system has received a programmer for the new generation of artillery shells. It will be used to fire Vulcano shells. The Bundeswehr recently ordered this type of ammunition from the Italian company Leonardo. The new guided shells are expected to significantly improve the accuracy and effectiveness of fire at long ranges.
At the same time, to save money and speed up development, some of the old devices had to be retained. As a result, the updated control system has a mixed digital-analog architecture. While it meets the customer's requirements, it does not fully utilize the technology's potential.
Dutch artillerymen handle ammunition. Photo: Dutch Ministry of Defence.
Next update
KNDS is already working on a new modernization project. The PzH 2000 A5 project is still in its early stages, but it is planned to be developed over several years and offered to customers by the end of the current decade. As with previous projects, the proposal is to retain the vehicle's key components and replace a number of systems to improve its combat performance.
The A5 project envisions an interesting approach to replacing systems and components. A basic version of this self-propelled gun will be developed with a set of mandatory innovations. In addition, customers will be offered a choice of several additional features and devices. This will allow buyers to customize the self-propelled gun configuration to suit their needs.
The Centurion computer will be retained in the fire control system. However, all other components will be replaced, making it fully digital. This will improve the system's core performance and simplify future upgrades by replacing components.
The fighting compartment is planned to be upgraded. The automatic loader will be improved to accommodate the requirements of new ammunition, and the guidance drives will also be improved. Due to advances in electronics, new contact rings will be required to ensure communication between devices in the hull and turret. These will increase the volume and speed of data transfer.
New electronics and other equipment place increased demands on the power supply. For this reason, a new auxiliary power unit with improved parameters is being developed.
Firing practice. Photo by the German Ministry of Defense
The customer can optionally order an electronic vision system for the driver, which will provide visibility and simplify control. A portable device for programming projectiles, used directly by the crew, is also available.
The possibility of increasing the level of automation in the fighting compartment is being explored. New instruments and control algorithms could reduce the crew size from five to three. The technical capabilities for implementing such ideas already exist, but their necessity has raised questions and criticism.
Today and tomorrow
Currently, the German branch of KNDS is producing the current version of the PzH 2000 A4 self-propelled gun. This vehicle will be produced for at least two customers until 2027-28. By that time, dozens of combat vehicles will have been assembled.
A subsequent modification of the A5, featuring a number of significant improvements, is also being developed. It is planned to enter series production in 2028 or later. It was recently mentioned that the Bundeswehr is planning a major upgrade of its artillery units. In the foreseeable future, it may acquire a triple-digit number of self-propelled guns of current or future modifications.
Thus, the German Army believes that the PzH 2000 self-propelled gun is not obsolete and can remain in service. However, it should be regularly modernized with the replacement of certain components and the introduction of new devices. This view has led to the development of corresponding plans. The Bundeswehr has already ordered the current PzH 2000 A4 self-propelled guns and is awaiting completion of the next modification.
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