A new video has surfaced from Ukraine that is immediately attracting a lot of attention. The footage shows PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers firing in rapid succession. In about 30 seconds, five shells are launched, an impressive demonstration of what this mobile artillery can mean in a war situation. Precisely because live footage of artillery like this is rarely shared publicly, the video stands out immediately.
What makes the PzH 2000 so powerful?
The PzH 2000 is a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer and one of the heaviest artillery systems (the PULS artillery system is the heaviest in the Netherlands) in NATO service. What makes it special is the combination of speed, accuracy and protection for the crew. Where traditional howitzers often have to reload slowly, the PzH 2000 can fire several rounds in a short time and then immediately move to avoid counter-fire.
The video clearly shows how quickly and smoothly the system works. Five shells in half a minute, and the howitzer stays stable in its position. For soldiers at the front, this means they can hit a large number of targets quickly without being exposed to enemy fire for long. Although there are new developments around the PzH 2000 howitzer, and Israel, for example, has a new howitzer in production that is faster and better, the PzH 2000 is certainly still of great value.
Use in Ukraine
Since their delivery by the Netherlands and Germany, the PzH 2000s have been used for long-range fire support. They hit targets deep behind the front line and help put pressure on enemy artillery, fortified positions and troop movements. In Ukraine these systems have become a valuable addition, mainly thanks to their speed and precision.
The video shows Ukrainian units using the howitzers efficiently. They fire quickly, move and remain operational, exactly as intended. It is a realistic demonstration of how modern artillery works today: not only heavy, but also mobile and flexible.
Number of systems and deliveries
Germany supplied seven PzH 2000 howitzers, the Netherlands five. Together these systems form a battery that can be used effectively in different parts of Ukraine. Later deliveries, partly from Germany, are ensuring that Ukraine builds up a robust artillery capability. This cooperation between allies shows how European countries are contributing to strengthening Ukraine’s defence capability.
What the video shows us
What is special about this video is that it literally makes the PzH 2000’s firepower visible. It shows not only that the system can fire five times in a row, but also how quickly the crew can act and how stable the howitzer remains during such a salvo. It is a clear example of how modern artillery works: powerful, accurate and mobile. Footage from the battlefield is quite different from footage from an exercise. Here it is a matter of life and death.
