WDS 2026: Ukraine Unveils Latest Version of Its Combat-Proven 2S22 Bohdana 155 mm 8×8 Howitzer.

Ukraine’s defense industry displayed the latest version of its 2S22 Bohdana 155 mm self-propelled howitzer at the World Defense Show 2026 in Saudi Arabia. The debut signals Ukraine’s push to position a combat-proven artillery system for long-term production and potential international partnerships.

Ukrainian industry used the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh to present the latest version of the 2S22 Bohdana, a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer refined through sustained combat use. According to Ukrainian defense officials and industry sources, the configuration on display reflects lessons learned from high-intensity warfare, moving the system beyond experimental prototypes toward a standardized, production-ready artillery system intended for international audiences.
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The latest Ukrainian-made 2S22 Bohdana 155 mm self-propelled howitzer displayed at the World Defense Show 2026 in Saudi Arabia, featuring a Tatra 8x8 chassis and a locally produced armored crew cab, representing the most advanced combat-refined configuration of Ukraine’s flagship artillery system. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The variant unveiled at WDS 2026 is mounted on a Tatra 8x8 high-mobility truck chassis, reflecting a significant technical evolution in the Bohdana program. Ukrainian engineers involved in the development explained during technical briefings that the 8x8 platform offers improved load distribution, greater off-road mobility, and greater firing stability compared to earlier layouts. These characteristics are particularly relevant for long-range artillery missions that require rapid repositioning across varied terrain while maintaining accuracy and mechanical reliability.

A prominent visual and operational change is the integration of a Ukrainian-made armored crew cab. Designed and produced by the national industry, the cab protects against small-arms fire and shell fragments while maintaining a compact vehicle profile. The cab layout has been optimized to enable rapid deployment and withdrawal, with internal ergonomics informed by direct battlefield experience. Its integration also reflects Ukraine’s emphasis on reducing dependence on foreign armored vehicle components while strengthening domestic manufacturing capability.

The artillery system retains Ukraine’s indigenous 155 mm 52-caliber cannon, built to NATO standards. The gun displayed in Saudi Arabia incorporates refinements introduced after extensive operational use, including reinforced structural elements and updated recoil management to support sustained firing sequences. These improvements enable effective use of extended-range and base-bleed ammunition at distances exceeding 40 kilometers while maintaining barrel life and consistent accuracy under high operational tempo.

Digitization remains a core element of the Bohdana concept. The latest configuration features an upgraded fire control system enabling automated gun laying, ballistic calculations, and secure data exchange with command and reconnaissance elements. The system is designed to operate within modern sensor-to-shooter architectures, supporting rapid engagement cycles that reflect current artillery employment concepts shaped by drone-enabled target acquisition and counter battery threats.

From the perspective of Army Recognition defense analysts, the significance of the WDS 2026 display is reinforced by the system’s real-world combat record. Earlier versions of the 2S22 Bohdana have been in active service with the Ukrainian Army’s 44th Artillery Brigade, where the howitzer has been extensively employed during the Russia-Ukraine war. In operational use, Bohdana has demonstrated high effectiveness in counter-battery fire, deep-strike missions, and precision engagements against high-value targets. Its ability to deliver accurate long-range fires while rapidly relocating has proven critical for survivability, contributing to a strong combat performance record under sustained enemy pressure.

The decision to display the Tatra-based Bohdana at WDS 2026 underscores Ukraine’s intent to present a mature, technically credible artillery platform on the global stage. The configuration shown emphasizes mobility, crew protection, and NATO interoperability, aligning the system with the requirements increasingly associated with modern wheeled self-propelled artillery. Rather than a prototype, the version presented in Saudi Arabia reflects a platform stabilized through combat-driven iteration and validated by frontline service.

By bringing the 2S22 Bohdana to the World Defense Show, Ukraine demonstrates that its defense industry continues to develop complex heavy weapon systems despite the pressures of the ongoing conflict. The Middle East debut underscores Bohdana’s transformation from an urgent wartime solution into a refined artillery system capable of standing alongside established international designs. For observers at WDS 2026, the Ukrainian howitzer offers a rare example of a major artillery platform forged, tested, and improved through successful use on one of today’s most demanding battlefields.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.