The Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH 2000) is a German 155 mm self-propelled howitzer designed to replace the Bundeswehr’s aging M109. Following the cancellation of the Panzerhaubitze 70 programme in 1987, the need arose for a more effective system that would meet the increasing demands for mobility, range, rate of fire, and protection. Competition began in the late 1980s, and by the early 1990s, the first prototypes were being tested in Germany, Canada, and the United States.
In 1994–1995, troop trials were conducted, confirming the improved characteristics of the new howitzer. Approval for series production was granted in 1996, and the first vehicles entered service in 1998. By 2003, the Bundeswehr had received 185 units. The PzH 2000 offered significantly greater range, a high rate of fire, and reliable armour protection. It can be seamlessly integrated into modern battlefield management systems and can operate autonomously without extensive position preparation. These new features attracted international interest. The PzH 2000 has been acquired by the Netherlands, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Lithuania, Qatar, and, starting in 2022, Ukraine.
It is worth mentioning that in 2006, in South Africa, this self-propelled howitzer set a world record for range in its class – about 56 km using a special projectile, a record that remained unbroken until 2024 and now belongs to the Polish AHS Krab.
