New Bohdana 5.0 self-propelled howitzer brings higher survivability and faster reload to Ukrainian Artillery Brigades.

As reported by Praise the Steph on April 13, 2025, the 44th Separate Artillery Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is operating a previously undocumented variant of the Bohdana 155mm self-propelled howitzer, unofficially referred to as Bohdana 5.0. This new model is mounted on a Tatra Force 8x8 chassis and integrates a Ukrainian-made armored cabin, a manually deployable anti-drone net system mounted behind the cabin, and a mechanical loading arm. This marks the first known appearance of these features combined in a single Bohdana system, as well as bringing the total number of known Bohdana variants to 6.
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This new model is mounted on a Tatra Force 8x8 chassis and integrates a Ukrainian-made armored cabin, a manually deployable anti-drone net system mounted behind the cabin, and a mechanical loading arm. (Picture source: Facebook/44_оабр)

This deployment confirms a continuation of Ukraine's artillery modernization efforts, which began after the annexation of Crimea and parts of Donbas in 2014. The original Bohdana 1.0 prototype, mounted on a KrAZ-6322 chassis, was first tested in 2018. Although it was ordered to be destroyed at the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the prototype was instead disassembled, preserved, and later saw combat during the battle for Snake Island. Following this engagement, Ukraine moved toward serial production of the system in 2023. From the 2.0 variant built on a MAZ chassis to the 3.0 variant on a Tatra 815-7 platform initially repurposed from Ukraine’s Burevii MLRS vehicles, each iteration introduced improvements, including shell rammers and localized armored cabs.

Production capacity, which surpassed 150 units in 2024, is currently constrained primarily by the availability of suitable truck chassis such as the Tatra Phoenix, which served as the base for most 4.0 models. In contrast, the new Bohdana 5.0, likely still using the Tatra 815-7 chassis, relies on newly imported truck models rather than ones salvaged from other systems. It replaces the Czech Puma L2 cab used in the 3.0 and 3.1 variants with a new domestic alternative, signaling a shift toward greater localization and potential supply chain resilience. By mid-2025, Ukraine aims to field over 300 Bohdana artillery systems, reflecting a sharp increase in both capability and production ambition, sufficient to equip 20 to 25 artillery battalions with domestically manufactured NATO-standard artillery systems. The country has also set a monthly production rate of 8 to 10 self-propelled Bohdanas, resulting in a projected annual output of 96 to 120 units.

In a parallel development, Ukraine launched a towed variant dubbed Bohdana-B, which uses heavily modified Soviet 2A36 Giatsint-B 152mm gun carriages retrofitted with a Bohdana 155mm L52 barrel. This platform was introduced to increase the availability of NATO-standard artillery without depending on costly 8x8 trucks. The first operational deployments occurred in late 2024, with units assigned to territorial defense formations and reserve artillery regiments. These howitzers are manually operated, lack automated loading systems, and are towed by either KrAZ trucks or captured Russian Ural-4320s. While offering lower mobility, they provide strategic depth and cost-effective firepower. Together, the self-propelled and towed variants support Ukraine’s stated goal of reducing dependence on imported artillery and aligning system compatibility with the increasing local production of 155mm ammunition.

The addition of a manually deployed anti-drone net is a first for the Bohdana platform, and it is mounted on a square frame directly behind the armored cabin and appears to cover the gun’s breech area and part of the rear deck. (Picture source: Facebook/44_оабр)

By the end of 2024, Bohdana production surpassed 150 units, most of which were 4.0 variants on Phoenix chassis. These were known for their semi-automatic loading systems and fixed armored cabins. However, production constraints, particularly regarding imported components such as the truck platforms, prompted diversification into multiple chassis solutions. In addition to Force and Phoenix trucks, earlier Bohdana prototypes were seen on KrAZ-6322 6x6 chassis, and hybrid solutions using repurposed Soviet trucks were evaluated in 2023. Ukrainian Armor confirmed it was delivering cabins compatible with all chassis types, aiming to maintain delivery rates of 8–10 systems per month. Production lines were divided between two main facilities: one for barrels and breeches, likely in central Ukraine, and one for final assembly and chassis integration, reportedly located in western Ukraine to minimize the risk from Russian missile strikes.

The Bohdana 5.0 differs significantly from the previously fielded 3.0 and 3.1 variants, which used heavily modified chassis derived from the Burevii multiple rocket launcher and incorporated imported Czech-made Puma L2 Long armored cabins. These cabins featured distinctive angular lines, a roof-mounted periscope array, and Czech front lighting clusters with integrated logos. However, in 2023, the Ukrainian government confirmed that imported Puma L2 cabins were being reserved for Burevii MLRS production lines. The 5.0 variant’s cabin shows different roof slopes and lacks Puma identifiers, indicating it is a Ukrainian production model. Ukrainian Armor had previously been tasked with manufacturing armored cabins for Bohdana systems, with production confirmed during presidential visits and in media reports dating from summer 2023. The shift from Czech to Ukrainian cabins was likely driven by sanctions, import restrictions, and a broader push for domestic self-reliance.

Another major distinction lies in the chassis type. While the Bohdana 4.0 variant was almost exclusively mounted on Tatra Phoenix 8x8 platforms, characterized by a more civilian-style design with an integrated dashboard and smaller military profile, the 5.0 variant uses the more robust and militarized Tatra Force 8x8 chassis. The Force model includes a reinforced suspension, higher ground clearance, and improved axle load capacity, making it suitable for heavier modules such as the howitzer and loading crane. This change may reflect evolving logistical realities: by late 2024, Phoenix platforms were in short supply, as confirmed by Ukrainian procurement officials. Moreover, the Force chassis shares components with Burevii systems, facilitating supply chain integration. The same chassis was observed under the second batch of Burevii rocket launchers in late 2024, possibly indicating a standardized acquisition contract or repurposing of surplus trucks. Notably, the front bumper and side mirror placement, combined with a flat-roof silhouette, confirm that the truck is a Tatra Force variant rather than from the Phoenix or Terra series.

In the case of Bohdana 5.0, the inclusion of a mechanical loading arm also positioned behind the net structure suggests a redesign of the entire rear platform layout. (Picture source: Facebook/44_оабр)

The addition of a manually deployed anti-drone net is a first for the Bohdana platform. The net is mounted on a square frame directly behind the armored cabin and appears to cover the gun’s breech area and part of the rear deck. The support frame is fixed at four points, with diagonal cables and horizontal lateral rods providing rigidity. This feature, widely seen on Ukrainian tanks and infantry fighting vehicles since 2023, is designed to mitigate FPV drone attacks, particularly during static phases like reloading. In the case of Bohdana 5.0, the inclusion of a mechanical loading arm also positioned behind the net structure suggests a redesign of the entire rear platform layout. Unlike earlier 4.0 variants, this arm appears capable of loading shells from a nearby support truck or from the ground, thus speeding up reloading and reducing crew exposure. Previous Bohdana variants relied exclusively on semi-automatic systems that required two or three crew members to manually prepare each round.

In terms of known technical and combat specifications, Bohdana howitzers use a 155mm L52 caliber barrel compatible with a wide array of NATO-standard munitions. Shells confirmed in combat use include M107 high explosive, M795, M549A1 RAP (rocket-assisted projectiles), BONUS top-attack submunition projectiles, and M982 Excalibur GPS-guided rounds. Videos released by Ukrainian artillery units also show the firing of German DM121 shells and, on at least two occasions, extended-range V-LAP rounds reportedly sourced from South Africa. Furthermore, Ukrainian units have been supplied with Indian-made 155mm artillery shells, most likely from the Ordnance Factory Board or Bharat Forge, as seen in both front-line footage and rear-area logistics videos from 2024.

A Ukrainian fire control system (FCS) developed in-country reportedly allows the integration of UAV-based targeting systems and counterbattery radar data, enhancing accuracy. The digital system integrates GPS, inertial navigation, and real-time trajectory correction. Bohdanas are typically operated by three-person crews (a driver, a gunner, and a commander), with a fourth crew member driving a support vehicle for ammunition resupply. The 5.0 variant’s anti-drone net and mechanical loading arm will likely improve survivability and allow for slightly higher sustained fire rates under combat conditions. Bohdana systems were used extensively in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia offensives, as well as during counterbattery duels in the Donbas, where they demonstrated superior precision and mobility compared to legacy Soviet 2S3 Akatsiya platforms. For instance, during combat in the Zaporizhzhia and Bakhmut sectors, Bohdanas were seen engaging targets up to 48 kilometers away, with precision strikes confirmed against Russian artillery and command posts.