Ukraine Set to Double Bohdana Howitzer Production, Overcoming Chassis Shortages

Ukraine’s defense industry has the potential to double the production of “Bohdana” self-propelled howitzers by manufacturing the artillery systems on multiple chassis, Igor Fedirko, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Defense Industry Council, said in an interview with Radio NV on March 18.

Fedirko revealed that Ukraine is already producing significantly more wheeled howitzers than the previously reported record of 18 units per month.

“There are signed 3- to 5-year contracts with a European manufacturer and other partners for 115 systems—that’s a three-year contract. But we can produce the same amount in just two or three months, provided we have proper funding and chassis availability,” he said.

Although he did not disclose the exact monthly production numbers, his statement suggests that Ukraine could ramp up output to 40 units per month or more—a two- to threefold increase. The primary bottleneck remains the supply of chassis.

“The only issue is the chassis. And I’m convinced we’ll resolve that very soon, allowing us to deliver a significantly larger number of systems,” Fedirko added.

Currently, Ukrainian manufacturers are producing wheeled Bohdana howitzers using the Czech-made Tatra Phoenix 8×8 chassis. Once the vehicle arrives, it undergoes armor upgrades and modifications before the installation of a 155mm artillery system.

In 2023 developers confirmed they were working on new chassis options from multiple European manufacturers.

Previous versions of the Bohdana were built using Tatra T-815 armored trucks and Belarusian MAZ vehicles, which were in stock before Russia’s full-scale invasion.

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However, further use of Belarusian chassis is unlikely due to Ukraine cutting ties with Belarusian suppliers, and the T-815 series is being phased out by its Czech manufacturer.

Since last year, Ukraine’s domestically produced artillery systems have entered service with at least six military units, including the Ground Forces, Marines, National Guard, Military Intelligence Directorate, and a National Police Brigade.

Earlier, reports emerged that Ukraine was producing approximately 20 Bohdana self-propelled howitzers each month, thanks to the “Danish model”, which enables allies to fund Ukrainian military production. This announcement was made by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his evening address on October 30, 2024, following the Ukraine-Nordic Summit.