Tests of the Czech self-propelled artillery installation Dana-M2 began in Ukraine. This is reported by the Defense Express portal.
Currently, the wheeled combat vehicle is located at one of the military training grounds in the Rivne region, where the tactical and technical characteristics declared by Excalibur Army are checked.
To determine the accuracy and range, the gun is fired. Also, driving capabilities are being studied in various areas of the terrain.
It is expected that such self-propelled guns will partially replace the Soviet D-20 howitzer guns developed back in the 40s.
It is assumed that the new self-propelled guns will use the 152-mm ammunition available in Ukrainian warehouses. The imported artillery system allows you to increase the maximum firing range from the existing 17,400 meters to 18,200 meters.
At the same time, it is planned to purchase long-range DN1CZ projectiles in the Czech Republic, capable of hitting already at 25,500 meters.
However, the Russian 2S19 "Msta S" can destroy the enemy at distances up to 29,000 meters, also surpassing the Dana-M2 in the rate of fire: 8-10 rounds per minute against 4-5.
According to experts, these tests, in fact, are a mere formality, since the decision to purchase 26 units of such equipment for $ 40.3 million has already been made.
The first information about the contract was made public in November last year, causing the displeasure of representatives of the local military-industrial complex, who rightly believed that this deal would significantly slow down the development of their own self-propelled gun "Bogdana".
Alexey Brusilov