Netherlands buys advanced Czech DITA artillery units for Ukraine
The Netherlands has ordered nine DITA self-propelled gun-howitzer vehicles for Ukraine, the Dutch Defense Ministry reported on Feb. 27.
The self-propelled artillery is manufactured at two enterprises in the Czech Republic. The nine DITA artillery systems are part of a large Dutch order for Ukraine.
Read also: The Netherlands to pay 100 million euros to purchase shells for Ukraine’s military
The highly automated DITA howitzers are produced by the Czech arms manufacturer and exporter Excalibur Army, said Ukrainian military outlet Militarnyi. The installation is equipped with an advanced onboard control system and an autonomous superstructure, featuring NATO standard 155 mm ammunition, a firing range of 39 km, 40 shells ammunition load, and a two-member crew.
The Netherlands previously ordered 100 MP-2 anti-aircraft guns from the Czech Republic and, in collaboration with the U.S. and Denmark, 100 modernized T-72 main battle tanks.
Read also: Netherlands doesn’t rule out Western troops in Ukraine, ‘All options open’ — Dutch Defense Ministry
Upon successful testing, the equipment will be dispatched to Ukraine, said the Dutch Defense Ministry.
The Netherlands will also allocate over EUR 100 million ($108 million) to the Czech initiative to deliver shells for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, purchased outside the EU, said Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
The Dutch Defense Chief Gen. Onno Eichelsheim said on Feb. 27 that the Netherlands would not rule out Western troop deployment to Ukraine, though it was “not yet opportune” to do so.
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