Documents
Germany KNDS
PzH 2000
A German self-propelled 155 mm howitzer regarded as one of the most powerful and technologically advanced artillery systems in NATO service, capable of firing three rounds in under 10 seconds using its automated loading system. Deliveries to Ukraine from 2022 demonstrated its high sustained rate of fire in combat.
In service since 1998 · 8 operator countries
Compiled from public sources ·primary reference ↗ ·last verified 2026-07-02
60
km/h
420
km range
155
mm gun
55,300
kg
💲 ≈ $17,000,000 — Approximate export unit cost
Procurement snapshot
Availability & export
German export-licensed
BAFA licensing with strict end-use review; approvals can be politically constrained.
Channel: Direct commercial / G2G
Fielded & proven
Established · 8 operators
In service since 1998. Status: active · ~400 built.
Lifecycle cost (est.)
$43M – $60M
Acquisition is only ~30% of lifecycle cost — operating & support dominate over ~25 yrs. Rough 2.5–3.5× the unit price.
Interoperability
Derived guidance from public data — export regime by country of origin, lifecycle from the GAO ~30% acquisition rule. Verify eligibility, pricing and offsets with the manufacturer and your acquisition authority.
Full specifications
Performance
Speed, range, altitude and engagement capability.
- Max speed
Maximum level speed. For aircraft this is at optimal altitude; for ground vehicles, top road speed. Higher means faster response and better kinematic performance.
- 60 km/h Stronger than 27% of artillery systems
- Range
Maximum distance: ferry range for aircraft, operational range for vehicles, maximum engagement distance for missiles. Higher means more standoff or persistence.
- 420 km Stronger than 23% of artillery systems
- Rate of fire
Rounds per minute (cyclic). Higher increases suppression and hit probability.
- 10 rpm Stronger than 81% of artillery systems
Firepower
Armament, payload and guidance.
- Main armament
Primary weapon: main gun, cannon or missile type.
- 155 mm L/52 howitzer
- Caliber
Bore diameter of the main gun or rifle. Larger throws heavier projectiles; not simply better — ammunition commonality matters.
- 155 mm
- Ammunition
Rounds carried (main gun) or standard magazine capacity.
- 60 Top 9% of artillery systems
- Max firing range
Maximum range of the main gun or rocket artillery (with assisted/extended-range munitions where noted). Higher extends reach.
- 40 km Stronger than 43% of artillery systems
Physical
Dimensions, weight and crew.
- Combat weight
Fully loaded weight. Lighter eases transport and bridging limits; heavier often means more armor.
- 55,300 kg
- Crew
Personnel required to operate. Fewer reduces exposure; autoloaders trade a loader for mechanical complexity.
- 5
Propulsion
Engine, power and fuel.
- Engine
Powerplant model and type.
- MTU MT 881 Ka-500 diesel
- Engine power
Engine output power. Higher moves more weight faster.
- 986 hp Stronger than 81% of artillery systems
Program
Cost, production scale and operators.
- Unit cost
Approximate flyaway/unit cost where public. Defense pricing varies hugely by contract, offsets and configuration. Lower is cheaper.
- $17,000,000
- Units built
Total production run. Higher means proven manufacturing, mature logistics and spares availability.
- 400 Stronger than 48% of artillery systems
- Operator countries
Number of countries operating the system. More operators means broader support ecosystem.
- 8 Stronger than 69% of artillery systems
Specifications compiled from public KNDS and reference sources ↗. Published defense figures are approximations — treat comparisons as directional. Last verified 2026-07-02.
Compare with rivals
See how it stacks up
Lockheed Martin M270A2 MLRS 
Uralvagonzavod TOS-1A Solntsepyok 
MKE T-155 Fırtına Frequently asked questions
What is the top speed of the KNDS PzH 2000? +
The KNDS PzH 2000 has a maximum speed of 60 km/h.
What is the range of the KNDS PzH 2000? +
The KNDS PzH 2000 has a maximum range of 420 km.
How much does the KNDS PzH 2000 weigh? +
The KNDS PzH 2000 has a combat weight of 55,300 kg.
How many crew does the KNDS PzH 2000 require? +
The KNDS PzH 2000 requires a crew of 5.
What is the main armament of the KNDS PzH 2000? +
The KNDS PzH 2000's primary weapon is the 155 mm L/52 howitzer.
What engine does the KNDS PzH 2000 use? +
The KNDS PzH 2000 is powered by the MTU MT 881 Ka-500 diesel.
What is the KNDS PzH 2000 used for? +
The KNDS PzH 2000 is a artillery & mlrs typically used for deep strike.
How many countries operate the KNDS PzH 2000? +
The KNDS PzH 2000 is operated by 8 countries.
How much does the KNDS PzH 2000 cost? +
The KNDS PzH 2000 has an approximate unit cost of 17,000,000 USD. Defense pricing varies by contract, offsets and configuration — treat this as directional.
Similar systems
Lockheed Martin
M270A2 MLRS
Uralvagonzavod
TOS-1A Solntsepyok
MKE
T-155 Fırtına
BAE Systems Inc. (US Land Systems)