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Ukraine - Zuzana 2 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer

Ukraine received Zuzana 2 howitzers from Slovakia. Zuzana 2 self-propelled artillery mounts were ordered by the Slovak government back in 2018 and were put into service 3 years later. Zuzana 2 is an upgrade of Zuzana howitzers. The latter, in turn, are the modernization of the Czechoslovak self-propelled guns DANA vz. 77. The modernized version of the self-propelled artillery mount has a longer barrel - 52 calibers, which made it possible to increase the range of destruction to 41 kilometers.

The KONŠTRUKTA-Defence, a. s. company signed a purchase and sale contract: 03 June 2022 for the supply of eight pieces of 155mm 52cal. Self-propelled Artillery Systems ZUZANA 2 for the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. The further details cannot be disclosed due to the contract nature and applicable provisions on business secrecy and confidentiality. The signing of the contract was preceded by weeks of intensive preparatory work by the various respective bodies from both participating countries.

“No doubt we are dealing with a very important contract. On the one hand, we show our ability, expertise and professionalism in the production of military equipment, but it is also an important moment for our employees. Thanks to the contract, they will have a job guarantee, “said Alexander Gurský, the company’s CEO.

The company perceives the signing of the contract as a great success that gives, not only the company itself but also the entire supply chain of companies and subcontractors from the Slovak defence industry, significant incentives for stabilization and further development in the technological and personnel areas. At the same time, the continuity of the ongoing production program of artillery systems shall be ensured and the position of the defence industry in Slovakia will come even more significant.

In August 2022, Slovakia delivered four out of eight Zuzana 2 howitzers to Ukraine on the basis of a different contract concluded in June 2022. At the time, the country had become one of the most significant providers of military assistance to Ukraine. Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad (OLANO) said by supplying the howitzers, Slovakia had become one of the most significant providers of military assistance to Ukraine. Among other military aid being provided is the repair of damaged Ukrainian military vehicles and seized Russian tanks and technology. Nad added that regular and intensive dialogue with Ukrainian partners is ensuring Slovak aid to Ukraine is as effective, targeted and ultimately life-saving as possible.

"Our primary goal is to help save as many lives as possible and to help our Ukrainian friends stop this senseless and boundless bloodshed," he said, adding that the howitzers will help Ukrainian armed forces as artillery systems are a key element of combat support in the ongoing conflict.

Ukraine received the eighth Slovak-made Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzer, TASR was told by Defence Ministry spokeswoman Martina Koval Kakascikova on 16 Januaey 2023. This was the last of the howitzers that Slovakia committed to deliver to Ukraine through state-owned joint-stock company Konstrukta-Defence on the basis of a contract for commercial sales. The ministry carried out the transfer of each piece of equipment after receiving the payment on its account.

"To date, we've delivered to Ukraine an entire battery of high-quality artillery systems produced by our domestic defence industry. We believe that with their help, Ukrainian defenders will save as many lives as possible and bring their homeland closer to unconditional victory over the enemy, who only continues to loot, terrorise and kill because it keeps failing on the battlefield," said acting Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad.

The state-run company Konštrukta Defense will produce another 16 Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers for Ukraine, with deliveries supposed to begin in the second half of 2023. . The production worth €92 million will be jointly financed by Denmark, Germany, and Norway. Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad (OLaNO) and his Danish counterpart Morten Bødskov signed the agreement on 03 October 2022 in Copenhagen, reported Martina Koval Kakašcíková, the spokesperson of the ministry.

Among other military aid being provided is the repair of damaged military vehicles and seized Russian tanks and technology. Slovakia has been actively providing aid to Ukraine since Russia invaded its neighbor. The most notable military aid provided was the donation of its S-300 air defence system. In June, five Soviet-designed attack helicopters and ammunition were also donated. It has also provided Ukraine with mortar and other ammunition, aviation fuel, and the Igla man-portable anti-aircraft system.