Ukraine has entered into a partnership with Germany to manufacture Bohdana self-propelled artillery systems mounted on Mercedes-Benz Zetros tactical transport trucks.
According to Ukraine’s defense minister, the program carries an estimated cost of €750 million ($879.9 million) and aims to produce as many as 200 artillery systems. Assembly of the howitzers and system integration will take place inside Ukraine, while the Zetros vehicles will be supplied through Germany’s military assistance to Kyiv.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced the initiative as part of a broader package of agreements with Berlin valued at more than €1.2 billion ($1.4 billion).
Beyond the Bohdana project, the cooperation includes long-term delivery of spare parts for Ukraine’s Patriot air defense systems. It also covers the joint production of Ukraine’s Linza electronic-warfare-resistant drones with UK-based Frontline Robotics and Quantum Systems in Bavaria, along with the procurement of reconnaissance drones worth €200 million ($234.8 million) for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
In addition, Ukraine and Germany signed an agreement to exchange electronic warfare solutions at the tactical level between their respective militaries.
The Bohdana system features a NATO-standard 155 mm wheeled artillery gun already in service with Ukrainian forces, traditionally mounted on KrAZ-6322 6×6 military trucks. Operated by a five-person crew, the 28-ton system can fire up to five rounds per minute at ranges of up to 60 kilometers.
The Mercedes-Benz Zetros is designed for rugged off-road operations and air transport aboard C-130 Hercules aircraft. Available in 4×4, 6×6, and 8×8 variants, the truck is powered by a 510-horsepower Euro V engine, offers payloads of up to 25 tons, and reaches speeds of up to 89 km/h.
