The Kramatorsk Heavy Machine-Tool Plant (KZVV), a member of NAUDI, has disclosed the price of its 155-mm Bohdana howitzers, which account for 70% of Ukraine's total artillery arsenal. However, production of these systems is at risk of being halted.
A company representative shared these details in an interview with Oboronka. According to him, the self-propelled Bohdana costs $2.5 million, while the towed Bohdana-BG, mounted on a Soviet chassis, costs $1.6 million.
Read more: Ukrainian Crews Put BTR-4E Bucephalus Vehicle Through Mobility and Weapons Tests (Photos)
The use of Soviet gun carriages is explained by the fact that Ukraine's depots contained Soviet howitzers for which no shells were available, so it was decided to repurpose them. A Ukrainian-produced gun carriage has also already been developed and will cost several hundred thousand dollars, bringing the total cost of the finished system to $1.8 million.
In total, more than 1,000 systems from the Bohdana family have already been manufactured, accounting for as much as 70% of Ukraine's entire artillery fleet. However, KZVV has not received a government order for nine months, which is expected to lead to a halt in production. Moreover, production will remain suspended for several months even if an order is received now, as the company needs six months to prepare components for a new contract.
From Defense Express we would like to note that the Ukrainian defense industry is implementing the statements previously made by the military and the development concept under which the majority of the artillery used by the Ukrainian Defense Forces is to be domestically produced. However, it is important to note that this does not mean that all of the military's needs are met and that production is no longer necessary.
Artillery remains relevant on the battlefield despite the dominance of drones, providing high firepower and strike capabilities. To enhance its survivability, the focus is now shifting toward procuring longer-range 155-mm ammunition.
As for the price, the towed Bohdana-BG is 28–36% cheaper than the self-propelled variant, depending on whether it uses a new or Soviet-era gun carriage. When comparing self-propelled howitzers, the CAESAR Mk2—which is conceptually similar to the Bohdana—costs approximately $3.2 million per unit under its contract with France, but with a full export package, it could be significantly more expensive.
It should be noted that, in addition to manufacturing its own self-propelled artillery systems, KZVV has also localized production of the 105-mm L119 and manufactures barrels for foreign artillery systems, including the AS-90, Krab, M777, and Archer, in collaboration with BAE Systems.
Read more: When Will Ukraine's Military Receive Domestically Produced 155-mm Marta Self-Propelled Howitzer, What Is Its Role on the Battlefield?
