Ukraine's Armed Forces are set to receive 200 Bohdana self-propelled howitzers mounted on the new Mercedes-Benz Zetros chassis in 2026, marking the largest artillery project to date within German military assistance to Ukraine. Of the total €1.2 billion allocated by Germany for defense support, €750 million will be directed specifically toward this program.
According to Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, the choice of the Zetros chassis reflects a focus on mobility, survivability, and sustainment under combat conditions. Zetros is a heavy-duty military platform produced by Germany's Mercedes-Benz and designed for operations in harsh environments, including off-road terrain and degraded infrastructure.
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The Zetros chassis is widely used in military roles ranging from logistics trucks and fuel tankers to heavy transporters, tractor units, and platforms for specialized equipment and weapons. Its design prioritizes robustness and ease of maintenance, a critical factor for frontline systems operating under constant stress and limited repair windows.
Technically, the Zetros family offers multiple axle configurations, including 4×2, 4×4, 6×4, 6×6, and the newer 8×8 variants. The vehicles can be equipped with either a 16-speed manual transmission or an Allison automatic gearbox, allowing flexibility depending on operational requirements and crew training.
Mercedes-Benz Zetros trucks supplied by Germany are already in active service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, providing a logistical foundation for integrating the new Bohdana variants. The howitzer itself holds particular significance: Bohdana is Ukraine's first domestically developed 155 mm self-propelled artillery system, fully compatible with NATO ammunition standards.
By the end of 2025, the Bohdana howitzer had become one of the most widely fielded artillery systems in Ukrainian service. Over time, the system has been mounted on various chassis, including KrAZ, MAZ, and Tatra platforms, reflecting an adaptive production approach driven by availability, battlefield feedback, and logistical considerations.
Production of the system also continues under the so-called Danish model, which enables foreign partners to finance manufacturing at Ukrainian defense-industrial facilities. This approach has allowed Ukraine to scale output while strengthening its domestic industrial base during wartime.
In combat use, the system has earned a reputation for reliability, accuracy, and exceptional repairability. Ukrainian forces have used it to destroy ammunition depots and command posts at ranges of up to 40 kilometers, as well as in strategically significant operations such as the liberation of Zmiinyi Island. The integration of the system onto the Zetros chassis is expected to further enhance its operational flexibility and longevity on the battlefield.
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