German quality to strengthen the Bohdana: key facts about the Zetros chassis for 200 units of Bohdana self-propelled artillery systems to be delivered to Ukraine by Germany

In 2026, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are set to receive 200 units of Bohdana self-propelled artillery systems mounted on the new Zetros chassis. Of Germany’s total €1.2 billion assistance package, €750 million will be allocated to this largest artillery project.

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine highlights the key features of the Zetros chassis.

Mercedes-Benz Zetros is a versatile chassis designed by the German manufacturer for operation in harsh conditions, including off-road environments. The chassis supports a wide range of military applications, including cargo trucks, transporters, fuel tankers, tractor units, and platforms for specialized equipment or armaments.

The Zetros chassis is distinguished by its high maintainability.

Available axle configurations include 4×2, 4×4, 6×4, 6×6, and the new 8×8 configuration. The transmission is either a 16-speed manual or an Allison automatic gearbox.

German-supplied Mercedes-Benz Zetros trucks are already in active service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Notably, the Bohdana is Ukraine’s first 155 mm NATO-standard self-propelled artillery system. By the end of 2025, it had become one of the most numerous artillery systems in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

At different stages, the Bohdana self-propelled artillery system has been mounted on KrAZ, MAZ, and Tatra chassis.

It is also produced under the ‘Danish model’, which provides for foreign funding of Ukraine’s defence industry capacities.

The Bohdana has demonstrated high reliability, accuracy, and adaptability, and is the most maintainable artillery system currently in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Its track record includes the successful execution of operational tasks—such as the destruction of ammunition depots and command posts at ranges of up to 40 km—as well as participation in historically significant operations, including the liberation of Zmiinyi Island (Snake Island).

To recap, on 17 December, Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Denys Shmyhal, reported on the signing of several new key agreements with German partners totalling over €1.2 billion. Of particular significance are the agreements reached between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Friedrich Merz, under which Germany committed to allocating €11.5 billion in support for Ukraine in the coming year.