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Ukraine’s 155mm Bohdana Howitzer Costs Less Than €3 Million, Manufacturer Confirms

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Ukraine’s 155mm Bohdana Howitzer Costs Less Than €3 Million, Manufacturer Confirms
Source: UNITED24 Media

Ukrainian defense manufacturer has disclosed new details about the 2S22 “Bohdana” self-propelled howitzer (SPH), including its production rate, technical specifications, and pricing.

According to a report published by the German outlet Bild on March 30, the price of a single unit is approximately €2.8 million.

A representative of the manufacturing plant confirmed that the cost may vary slightly depending on the chassis used. He also stated that current production has reached over 20 units per month.

To mitigate risks, production has been dispersed across several locations, including sites within the EU, with all components manufactured at multiple facilities to ensure continuity in the event of disruptions.

Ukrainian artillery crews interviewed during the Bild report highlighted the howitzer’s high accuracy and durability. They noted that the barrel maintains firing precision after 7,000–8,000 rounds—performance they claim surpasses that of several Western systems.

The manufacturer attributes this precision to the internal geometry of the barrel’s rifling and the inclusion of a central stabilizing support that enhances firing stability.

The Bohdana system is also equipped with duplicated electrical and hydraulic systems, enabling manual operation if automated components are damaged in combat. In contrast, systems like the French CAESAR may lose critical mobility functions if hydraulic systems are compromised. Ukrainian forces emphasize that this redundancy ensures continued operation under battlefield conditions.

Because the system is domestically produced, servicing and repair operations are conducted within Ukraine. According to the manufacturer, spare parts are available within 24 hours, and damaged units can typically be repaired within 48 hours.

The report also featured the towed version of the system, known as “Bohdana-B,” which is now being delivered to frontline units. Crews training on this variant are expected to deploy shortly, indicating that it has entered serial production.

The 2S22 Bohdana is Ukraine’s first wheeled 155mm howitzer and was initially developed in 2016 at the Kramatorsk Heavy Machine Tool Building Plant. A key milestone in its development was the domestic production of its barrel—a capability Ukraine previously lacked.

Artillery units currently deploy both Ukrainian-made and foreign-supplied ammunition with the Bohdana system. Military personnel report sufficient munitions to engage targets at both frontline and deep-strike ranges, noting that the efficiency of fire missions depends significantly on unit coordination.

Earlier third-party estimates had suggested a lower cost for the system. Belgian assessments had placed the price around €2.3 million per unit, but the manufacturer has now clarified that the figure is closer to €2.8 million. Despite this, the cost remains competitive compared to other Western SPHs.

The manufacturer stated that the design of the Bohdana prioritizes simplicity and field maintainability. All key systems are built with redundancy, and the production structure allows for rapid scaling if required.

Earlier, Igor Fedirko, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Defense Industry Council, stated that Ukraine could double production of the 2S22 Bohdana howitzers by using multiple chassis options.

While contracts exist for 115 systems over three years, Fedirko said the same number could be produced in two to three months with sufficient funding and chassis availability. The main limiting factor remains the supply of suitable chassis, though efforts are underway to resolve this.

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