Image source: topwar.ru
The Dutch Ministry of Defense is looking for mesh armor for the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers, which is designed to increase their resistance to drone attacks. Since November 2025, the Dutch company COBBS Industries BV has been developing appropriate protection at the request of the military department, which intends to equip 46 of its self-propelled guns with it.
The Ministry of Defense recently issued an application for the provision of information by potential suppliers:
However, apparently, this is only a formal procedure and COBBS will be the winner of the tender.
According to the developer, unlike crude artisanal metal "barbecues", the company's engineers rely on a lightweight, technologically advanced mesh architecture. The additional armor is a modular shield frame covered with a special high-strength composite or metal mesh. The concept completely covers the upper hemisphere of the tower, as well as the side projections of the ACS.
As expected, the finely-meshed, durable mesh will intercept kamikaze drones on approach, destroy their structure or cause premature detonation of the shaped charge at a safe distance from the main armor of the tower.
Image source: topwar.ru
The Dutch Ministry of Defense chose the flexible mesh armor concept for three key reasons. Firstly, it has a minimum weight that will not overload the suspension, will not disrupt the weight distribution of the PzH 2000 tower and will not hinder its rotation. According to the developer, the COBBS grid has a mass several times less than its analogues.
Secondly, the COBBS mesh contour design has been specially adapted for joint use with the new Saab Barracuda MCS multispectral camouflage covers. They will be stretched over the mesh without reducing its protective properties. Thirdly, the thin structure of the grid minimally blocks the view of the crew through triplexes and panoramic sights compared to blind metal grilles.
At the moment, the COBBS project has moved from the stage of computer concepts to the phase of field testing at landfills. The Dutch Army plans to begin mass-equipping its artillery units with these kits in the near future.
