Czechoslovakian weapons can be in demand even after four and a half decades after development. Excalibur Army has shown a new video about the Dana M2 self-propelled gun-an upgraded version of the Dana vz self-propelled gun. 77. Of particular interest is the fact that this self-propelled gun is purchased by the Ukrainian army.
In the Ukrainian army, the wheeled self-propelled gun Dana M2 is considered as a replacement for towed D-20 howitzers of Soviet production. Both guns use identical projectiles, which should simplify logistics. At the same time, it is stated that with the same projectile, the Czech self-propelled gun has a greater accuracy and range of fire. In addition, the Dana-M2 self-propelled gun requires significantly less time to prepare for firing and folding, which is of great importance in counter-battery warfare.
Promo video of the DANA M2 self-propelled gun
In 1977, Czechoslovakia adopted a self-propelled 152-mm howitzer developed by ZTS-Dubnica on the chassis of the four-wheel drive Tatra car. The artillery system was named ShKh vz. 77 Dana (self-propelled wheeled howitzer model 1977 Dana). During production, several modifications were created on the basis of the artillery system, including the Ondava (with a barrel length increased to 47 calibers), the Zuzana (rebuilt to NATO standards), as well as several vehicles on the tracked chassis of the T-72 tank. From 1980 to 1989, at least 670 guns of various modifications were produced. Also created is the latest version of the ACS based on the Dana vz. 77, called Dita.