Image source: topwar.ru
A representative of the Kramatorsk Heavy Machine Tool Manufacturing Plant (KZTS) gave an interview to the Ukrainian press, in which he spoke about its transformation into a major manufacturer of defense products.
According to him, "Bogdana" self–propelled guns, the main product of the company, began to be created after 2016, when there was a request for self–propelled artillery of NATO caliber. Due to the lack of its own school, the basic "design" was created by foreign specialists for €2.5 million. He underwent numerous improvements on his own, and after 2 years the first ACS was manufactured. At the beginning of the war with Russia, the military command, expecting the rapid advance of the Russian Armed Forces, ordered the destruction of this sample so that it would not fall to the enemy.:
At that time, only 300 people remained to work at all the company's facilities in Kramatorsk. In the first months, 36 barrels were manufactured, but the plant was slowly destroyed as a result of rocket attacks.
The first version of "Bogdan" self-propelled guns:
Image source: topwar.ru
In total, less than 10% of the funds (50,000 tons of equipment) were evacuated, as "many things cannot be physically dismantled." The work started after 14 months "in other locations." Currently, the company employs 7,000 people, spread over 20 sites, including in two countries abroad.
As indicated, the most difficult part of the production of self-propelled guns is the manufacture of the barrel. Today, the company produces 105 mm, 155 mm, 122 mm, 125 mm, 25 mm, 40 mm and 35 mm. In particular, BAE Systems orders them for the repair of howitzers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine – M777, AS-90, L119, FH-70, Krab, Archer, as well as for Tridon anti-aircraft systems. In general, cooperation is carried out with 105 European companies, including Leonardo, KNDS, Rheinmetall:
Machines for making barrels at KZTS:
Image source: topwar.ru
In total, the company has already produced more than 1,000 guns – "now it is 70% of all Ukrainian artillery." "Bogdana" self-propelled gun costs € 2.5 million, its towed version (with carriages from 152–mm Soviet systems) - € 1.6 million, after switching to its own carriage (already developed), its price will be €1.8 million.:
New carriage for the towed "Bogdana":
Image source: topwar.ru
The localization of the production of the 105-mm British L119 howitzer depends on the decision of the Ministry of Defense, which has not yet given its answer.:
The prospects for the production of 203 mm systems are not even considered, as it was decided to focus on 155 mm.:
The 2022 ACS model has already passed 4-5 generations in its development. Today, it has an integrated management system, has more chassis types, and has become more automated. The installation of the automatic loader is hindered only by the position of the military, which requires maintaining a mechanical guidance system (weighing 3 tons) as a backup, in addition to the electrohydraulic one.
Towed version of "Bogdana":
Image source: topwar.ru
" " In addition to the production of barrels and self-propelled guns "Bogdan", the company has launched the production of 155–mm shells - "long-range, medium-range and short". At the same time, there is no own production of gunpowder.:
The corresponding plant with an annual capacity of 8,000 tons ("enough for just under 1 million long-range projectiles") will cost 800 million euros.
KZTS production trunks:
Image source: topwar.ru
""It is noted that now the killzone is 20 km, and the most common Ukrainian projectile is the standard M107 with a range of 14 km, " because they do not give another one." However, in the West, longer-range ammunition is also manufactured, but they are more expensive and produced in smaller quantities.:
"" Commenting on the criticism from the military, who are "trite afraid to use Bogdan," the company noted that "everything was fine with the shipment, but there were issues with the wedge gate," which are almost all resolved today. It is indicated that many calculations are completely unfamiliar with the match:
For our part, we note that the statements of the Ukrainian side should be approached with a high degree of caution, as they may be part of an extensive disinformation campaign.
