Western self-propelled artillery systems, 155mm caliber, and the 'Czech Initiative': How the Artillery Coalition is strengthening Ukraine's firepower

The Artillery Coalition was established in January 2024 in Paris to enhance the Armed Forces of Ukraine with modern artillery systems and ensure long-term support for Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Artillery, with good reason dubbed the 'god of war,' remains one of the most crucial weapons in modern warfare. To effectively counter russian invaders on the battlefield, Ukraine has significantly upgraded its artillery arsenal and partially transitioned to using 155 mm caliber systems. This has also played a significant role in enhancing our military's interoperability with NATO.

The introduction of high-precision Western multiple launch rocket systems, such as HIMARS, into the Armed Forces of Ukraine not only boosted long-range capabilities but also became one of the first game changers in altering the dynamics of combat along the front lines.

All of this became feasible due to the contributions of partners who provided systems of their own manufacture.

In January 2024, the Artillery Coalition was established in Paris to systematize such support, with France and the United States as its co-leaders. In addition to these countries, the Coalition also includes 12 other nations: Belgium, the United Kingdom, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Spain, and Turkey. 

The long-term objective is for the missile and artillery Forces of the Defence Forces of Ukraine to develop enduring and comprehensive artillery capabilities, enhancing their ability to counter russian advances, deter further incursions, mitigate russian firepower advantage, degrade russian capabilities, and strengthen interoperability with NATO.

The Coalition's key areas of focus include the following:

• Systems, including missile and artillery systems, MLRS, and mortars;
• Strike capabilities, such as missiles (including ATACMS), rockets, as well as artillery and mortar rounds;
• Training for personnel;
• Combat support: artillery reconnaissance assets, counter-battery systems, and more.

Throughout the Coalition’s efforts, Ukraine has received numerous Western artillery systems: M777 and M102 from the United States, M109 from Italy, Caesar from France and Denmark, Krab from Poland, Zuzana from Slovakia, Archer from Sweden, Dita from Czechia, and PzH-2000 from Germany. Additionally, various types of mortars and Soviet-era systems were also provided by partner nations.

Furthermore, Czechia, as a member of the Coalition, launched the ‘Czech initiative’ to supply ammunition. In 2024, through various funding mechanisms, it delivered a total of over one and a half million large-caliber rounds, including half a million 155 mm rounds.

Thanks to the ‘Danish model’ of funding the Ukrainian defense industry, the Defence Forces received new Bohdana self-propelled artillery systems.

In total, eight Capability Coalitions have been established within the framework of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group: The Air Force Coalition, the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Coalition, the Maritime Capability Coalition, the Drone Coalition, the IT Coalition, the Artillery Coalition, the Armored Vehicles and Maneuverability Coalition, and the Demining Capability Coalition.