DANA

   The DANA 152 mm self-propelled gun-howitzer was developed in former Czechoslovakia. It was designed as an alternative for the Soviet 2S3 Akatsiya. Unlike many other howitzers of that period the DANA is based on a wheeled chassis. Its production commenced in 1981 and ceased in 1994 with over 750 units built. Currently it is in service with Czech Republic (86 units), Slovakia (135), Georgia, Poland (111) and Libya (120). It saw action during the Russia-Georgia War and during the War in Afghanistan. In 2022 a number of Czech DANA artillery systems were donated to Ukraine to defend against the Russian invasion.

   The DANA is armed with a turret-mounted 152 mm gun-howitzer. It fires all standard Soviet and indigenous 152 mm rounds. Czech army currently uses three main types of ammunition, high-explosive rounds with a maximum range of 18 km, improved shape high-explosive with a maximum range of 20 km, and high-explosive anti-tank rounds for direct fire at armored targets. DANA carries up to 60 shells. It seems that 36 shells and and associated charges are stored in the autoloader and are fed automatically.

   DANA's autoloader was unique for its time. It is able to load shell and cartridge at any elevation. This feature is considered as standard nowadays , but the DANA was one of the first artillery systems with such loader in service. Three hydraulic stabilizers are lowered into the ground before firing. The DANA has a roof-mounted crane to assist ammunition loading.

   Secondary armament consists of a roof-mounted 12.7 mm machine gun.

   Chassis of the DANA has 8x8 configuration. It uses many mechanical components of the Tatra T815 Koloss heavy utility truck. Vehicle is powered by a Tatra 2-939-34 diesel engine, developing 345 hp. It is worth mentioning, that wheeled chassis of this artillery systems is cheaper to build and easier to maintain comparing with a tracked chassis.

Variants

   Ondava 152 mm self-propelled gun-howitzer. Its development began in the late 1980s. It has a longer barrel (47 calibers) and new loading mechanism. Maximum range of fire is 32 km with rocket-assisted shells. This project ended with the desolation of the Czechoslovakia. Technical expertise was carried over to Slovak Zuzana project.

   Zuzana is a NATO compatible version of the DANA. It was developed in Slovakia. It is armed with 155 mm (45 calibers) gun and has improved fire control system. Currently in service with Slovakia and Cyprus.

   MODAN 152 mm upgraded Slovak variant of the DANA, with longer range, better accuracy and higher rate of fire. It has a crew of four.

   Himalaya is a 155 mm variant turret of the Zuzana, developed in Slovakia. It is mounted on the T-72 main battle tank chassis. This artillery system was aimed to meet a possible Indian Army requirement. However it was not adopted.

   Zuzana 2, improved variant of the Zuzana, armed with a new 155 mm (52 calibers) gun. It has a longer range. This system has a redesigned forward control cab and a number of other improvements.

   Diana is a 155 mm tracked self-propelled howitzer. It was jointly developed by Polish and Slovak companies. It is armed with a 55-caliber gun. The turret is mounted on a Polish tracked chassis, that uses many components of the T-72 tank. It is powered by an S-12U engine, developing 820 hp. A prototype was first publicly revealed in 2015. This artillery system was aimed at an Indian Army requirement, but was also proposed for other customers. Though it received no production orders.

   DANA M1 CZ is a Czech upgrade of the DANA with a modified chassis, new fire control system, new navigation aids and a number of other improvements. It retains original 152 mm ordnance.

   DANA M2 is a further improved version, developed in Czech Republic. It retains original 152 mm ordnance. In 2020 Ukraine ordered Czech DANA artillery systems modernized to the M2 standard. The cost was $1.55 million per unit. However soon after the deal was announced it there were accusations of corruption.

   Dita is a further development of the DANA M2. This Czech howitzer has a new turret. It packs a 155 mm/L45 ordnance and is highly automated. It is operated by a crew of just 2. This artillery system was first publicly revealed in 2021.