Image source: topwar.ru
One of the most common self–propelled guns in the world is the German tracked howitzer PzH 2000 - 384 copies out of 425 ordered were delivered. It is considered one of the best in its range in terms of crew protection.
The ACS is equipped with special protection – the so-called "hedgehog" (Igelpanzerung, "hedgehog armor"): modular mats are applied on top of the case – a rubber base with numerous spikes ("needles") made of high-strength rubber or polymer. These "needles" create a gap between the detonation site and the main armor. When the cumulative jet passes through the layer of these rubber spikes, it loses its density and focus. The rubber begins to evaporate instantly and "compress" the jet, preventing it from penetrating the main armor.
This coating, which was first massively used by Germany on the PzH 2000 ACS and the Puma infantry fighting vehicle, is positioned as one of the best means of protecting the roof of the tower and hull from homing submunitions (such as SMArt 155 or BONUS cluster shells), conventional cumulative warheads and modern FPV drones.
Image source: topwar.ru
However, as they say in the Western press, during the operation of the PzH 2000 APU, it became clear that one "hedgehog" could not do without, despite the PR of this product.:
In November 2025, the Dutch company COBBS Industries BV announced the development, at the request of the Dutch Ministry of Defense, of a set of additional mesh armor to increase the resistance of the PzH 2000 to UAV attacks. The target customer is the local army, which has 46 self-propelled guns PzH 2000NL.
The concept of additional protection was shown online, but there is no more detailed information about it.
