Azov Brigade Is the First to Use Czech 155mm Self-propelled DITAs in Military Combat

In November 2024, Oleksandr Pivnenko, the Commander of the National Guard of Ukraine, announced DITA’s delivery to Ukraine via a military order from the Netherlands, arriving only 9 months after the order was placed. This was far quicker than other weapons systems Kyiv had previously requested. 

Ukraine’s Azov Brigade was the first to receive the DITA, they had previously relied on towed artillery systems to fight Russian forces, now Azov is working the leading wheeled DITA system along Ukraine’s front lines.

What can the DITA do?

According to CSG  Defence division , the Czech 155mm self-propelled DITA offers an unprecedented rate of fire and is operated with a minimal crew—one driver and one commander—along with autonomous operational capabilities. 

Its onboard control system allows the DITA to arrive and leave the firing position quickly, taking only 45 seconds. It has great accuracy, hard terrain crossability and can be mounted onto a tracked chassis. The Czech DITA self-propelled gun was first presented in 2021.

On the road, the DITA has a top speed of 90km/ph, while off the road, it can reach up to 25 km/ph. DITA uses NATO standard 155 mm caliber ammunition with an effective firing range of 39km. It can travel an impressive range of 600 km on a single fuel tank, enhancing its operational reach. 

Should electronics fail on the DITA, the system can be operated manually by a third crew member—the gunner. The system has Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact (MRSI), which means it can fire several shells at different trajectories, hitting the same target at almost exactly the same time. 

According to Defense Express, its rate of fire is five rounds per minute, fed automatically, and can carry a load of 40 shells within its turret, enabling extended fighting power durations on the battlefield. 

DITA has an M4 Control System, which is a portable electronic device displaying diagnostic data about the gun and the chassis, allowing turret control from the outside of the vehicle, adding superior flexibility and safety for operators.

The emergence of modern artillery installations such as "Bogdan" and "DITA" significantly enhances the fire capabilities of our forces and the effectiveness in defeating the enemy.

Oleksandr Pivnenko

Commander National Guard of Ukraine

How does the DITA compare to other Howitzers?

The DITA follows a similar construction to the Czech DANA howitzer, which was unique for a long time, with both being assembled on a wheeled chassis. Previously tracked chassis were used, for example, in the German PzH-2000 system. 

The DANA has become significant in its design due to its automated loading system, and the DITA has followed suit. The DANA and DITA offer enhanced protection for the crew with their armor. Conventional howitzers like the CEASAR have a manual or assisted loading; therefore, the crew usually needs to get out of the cabin to load, which puts crew members at risk of enemy counter-fire. 

The DANA generally has a crew of five, CEASAR a crew of between three to five, whereas the DITA needs just two due to its exceptional automation. The CEASAR has been a well-established weapon for a long time and has already been integrated into several armies, whereas the DITA is now being first tested on Ukraine’s frontlines. Though showing enormous potential, the Azov Brigade will undoubtedly share the results of the DITA’s success in the future.