The Dutch Ministry of Defense has announced the acquisition of six new DITA self-propelled howitzers, along with artillery ammunition, which will be transferred to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This purchase, made in cooperation with Denmark, is part of an agreement with the Czech Republic, which was previously presented to the European Council. Additionally, the Netherlands has informed its NATO partners about the total investment of 271 million euros allocated for this military reinforcement.
The order includes not only six DITA self-propelled howitzers, with a caliber of 155 mm, but also an unspecified number of projectiles of the same caliber, with the goal of ensuring that Ukraine has sufficient stock until 2025. This support is in addition to previous efforts, such as the purchase of nine 155 mm DITA howitzers, confirmed in March and delivered to Ukraine last summer.
Features of the DITA self-propelled howitzer
The DITA howitzer stands out for its simplicity and operational efficiency. With only two operators, the system can reach a maximum speed of 90 km/h and fire with a range of up to 40 km, using 155 mm caliber ammunition, the NATO standard. Mounted on the chassis of a Tatra truck, the DITA is one of the latest developments by Excalibur Army, whose prototype was successfully tested in 2021.
152 mm projectiles
Additionally, the statement from the Dutch Ministry of Defense mentions an independent project in development for the acquisition of 152 mm caliber artillery ammunition from the Soviet era, of which Ukraine has a considerable inventory. This initiative responds to a previously announced need to bolster Ukraine’s artillery capabilities with available equipment.
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