“Msta-B”, “Bohdana-B” and others: experts talked about new solutions in the artillery of the Armed Forces

Production of the towed howitzer “Bohdana-BG” ” and modernization of post-Soviet models will allow Ukraine to save resources and reduce dependence on Western supplies of howitzers, such as the M777 and FH70.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine presented a new prototype of the towed “Bohdana-BG” howitzer to foreign delegations. This model will become an important element of the renewal of Ukrainian artillery and can replace outdated post-Soviet systems, such as the D-20 and 2A65 “Msta-B”. The prospects for the development of artillery systems of the Armed Forces are discussed in the Defense24 material.

The author of the publication, Adam Sverkovsky, writes that the first version of the “Bohdan-BG”, work on which began at the end of 2022, is being created on the basis of the 2A36 “Hyacinth-B” chassis, known for its powerful long barrel over 8 meters long. This choice is due to the high strength of the design and the ability to work with modern 155 mm ammunition, which significantly expands combat capabilities.

The observer noted that the modernization of such systems makes it possible not only to return decommissioned guns to the front, but also to increase their effectiveness efficiency due to increased range and accuracy of fire.

It is also emphasized that the current tests of “Bohdan-BG” include checking the reliability of the frame, which must withstand new loads.

It is expected that production will begin in the near future, which will allow the Ukrainian army to receive not only new towed artillery, but also significant cost savings, as compared to the self-propelled version of the 2C22 “Bohdan”. Thus, the cost of the towed system is estimated at 1.5–2 million US dollars, which makes it more affordable, especially if barrels and frames from old Soviet models are used.

“In the case of the post-Soviet D-20 and 2A65 “Msta-B” is supposed to be re-armed with a howitzer with a barrel length of 39 calibers. The reason for such changes is the re-production of the barrels for the 2C22, as compared to the existing chassis, which seems unprecedented given how problematic their production is in Europe. ; added Sverkovsky.

Characteristics of the “Bohdan-BG” howitzer:

• caliber — 155 mm;
• barrel length — over 8 meters;
• firing range — up to 40 km (using modern ammunition);
• mass — almost 10 tons;
• cost — 1.5–2 million US dollars.