In the theatre of modern warfare, few assets have proven as indispensable as tracked self-propelled artillery. These imposing machines represent the perfect synthesis of firepower, protection, and manoeuvrability, enabling armies to deliver sustained bombardment while keeping pace with advancing armoured formations. Unlike the cumbersome towed guns of the past, which often required considerable time and effort to position, tracked artillery systems embody speed and adaptability, allowing forces to strike with devastating effect and then reposition before the enemy can retaliate. They are, in essence, mobile fortresses armed with some of the most advanced gun technology ever fielded.
Over the last three decades, nations have poured considerable resources into refining these systems, moving beyond the traditional emphasis on sheer calibre and rate of fire. Today’s leading platforms are defined not merely by the size of their guns, but by their integration of digital fire-control systems, automated loading mechanisms, and precision-guided munitions that extend ranges well beyond conventional expectations. Survivability has also become a decisive factor, with enhanced armour, improved crew protection, and defensive countermeasures ensuring that these vehicles can continue to fight in high-intensity environments. The ability to deliver rapid, accurate fire in support of infantry and armour while simultaneously withstanding counter-battery threats has cemented their status as the backbone of many advanced militaries.
When one considers the finest examples currently in service, a select group of systems consistently emerges at the forefront. These platforms are distinguished not only by technological sophistication but also by their operational track records, versatility across diverse terrains, and adaptability to future upgrades. Whether deployed in the deserts of the Middle East, the plains of Eastern Europe, or the rugged landscapes of Asia, they have repeatedly demonstrated their effectiveness under real combat conditions.
This article examines the top five tracked self-propelled artillery systems that embody the very best of contemporary military engineering. From European innovations renowned for accuracy and automation, to Asian designs celebrated for reliability and mass production, and Russian developments built around raw firepower and endurance, these machines exemplify how different defence philosophies converge on a common goal: to dominate the modern battlefield. Each system not only reflects the military doctrine of its nation but also offers invaluable insight into the future trajectory of artillery warfare.
5 - 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV: Russia’s Next-Generation Artillery
The 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV represents Russia’s most ambitious leap in self-propelled artillery development, designed to replace and surpass older platforms such as the 2S19 Msta-S. First revealed during the 2015 Moscow Victory Day Parade, this system embodies Russia’s strategy of combining overwhelming firepower with extended range and automation. Though still relatively new and produced in limited numbers, the Koalitsiya-SV has quickly become one of the most discussed artillery platforms in modern defence circles.
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| Koalitsiya-SV |
Core Specifications and Capabilities
Calibre and Gun System:
Main armament: 152mm, 52-calibre gun.
Maximum range: Around 30–40 km with standard shells; reportedly up to 70 km with rocket-assisted projectiles.
Designed to fire precision-guided and cluster munitions, including advanced Russian-developed long-range rounds.
Firing Performance:
Burst fire: Capable of delivering multiple shells within seconds.
Sustained rate: Estimated at 10–16 rounds per minute, giving it one of the highest firing rates in its class.
Advanced MRSI capability enables several projectiles to impact simultaneously, overwhelming enemy positions.
Ammunition Capacity:
Onboard storage: Estimated at 60–70 rounds depending on configuration.
Fully automated loading and propellant system, drastically reducing crew workload and increasing firing efficiency.
Mobility and Engine:
Powerplant: Diesel engine rated at approximately 1,000 horsepower.
Maximum speed: Around 60 km/h on roads.
Operational range: Estimated at 500 km.
Built on a modernised T-90 tank chassis, offering both strength and adaptability across varied terrains.
Protection and Survivability:
Armour: Resistant to small-arms fire and shell fragments, with optional enhancements for greater protection.
Crew: Reduced to three thanks to automation (commander, driver, gunner).
Equipped with CBRN protection, fire suppression, and advanced counter-battery radar integration.
Dimensions and Weight:
Length (gun forward): Approximately 12 m.
Width: Around 3.5 m.
Height: About 3 m.
Combat weight: Roughly 48 tonnes.
Conclusion
The 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV illustrates Russia’s determination to maintain artillery dominance on the battlefield. With its exceptional rate of fire, extended range, and automation, it stands at the forefront of next-generation artillery design. Though its full capabilities are still being tested in active service, the Koalitsiya-SV is widely regarded as a formidable system that could shape the future of Russian fire support doctrine.
4 - AS90: Britain’s Trusted Self-Propelled Artillery
The AS90, short for Artillery System for the 1990s, has served as the backbone of the British Army’s self-propelled artillery force since its introduction in the early 1990s. Designed and built by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering (later BAE Systems), the AS90 was developed to replace ageing Cold War-era systems with a highly mobile, accurate, and reliable tracked platform. Though not the newest in service, its continued upgrades and strong performance have ensured its relevance on modern battlefields.
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| AS90 |
Core Specifications and Capabilities
Calibre and Gun System:
Main armament: 155mm gun available in both 39-calibre and 52-calibre versions.
Maximum range: Approximately 24–25 km with standard shells; extended to 30 km with base bleed ammunition; and up to 40 km with the longer 52-calibre gun.
Designed to comply with NATO Joint Ballistics Memorandum of Understanding standards, ensuring ammunition compatibility with allied forces.
Firing Performance:
Burst fire: Three rounds in under 10 seconds.
Sustained rate: Two rounds per minute for prolonged engagements.
Intense rate: Six rounds per minute for up to three minutes, ideal for short, decisive bombardments.
Ammunition Capacity:
Onboard storage: 48 projectiles and associated charges.
Semi-automatic loading system enables rapid firing cycles with reduced crew strain.
Mobility and Engine:
Powerplant: Cummins VTA-903T V8 diesel engine delivering 660 horsepower.
Maximum speed: Around 55 km/h on roads.
Operational range: Approximately 370 km.
Hydropneumatic suspension provides stable firing and dependable cross-country performance.
Protection and Survivability:
Armour: Resistant to small-arms fire and shell fragments.
Crew: Five (commander, driver, gunner, two loaders).
Equipped with automatic fire suppression and NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection systems.
Dimensions and Weight:
Length (gun forward): Around 9.9 m.
Width: Approximately 3.5 m.
Height: 2.5–3 m depending on turret configuration.
Combat weight: Around 45 tonnes.
Conclusion
The AS90 may not boast the extreme range of newer artillery systems, yet its proven reliability, robust engineering, and adaptability have ensured its status as a dependable mainstay of the British Army. Designed with interoperability in mind, it has worked seamlessly alongside NATO allies for decades. With upgrade programmes extending its service life, the AS90 remains a testament to British artillery design and continues to deliver dependable firepower wherever it is deployed.
3 - PLZ-05: China’s Long-Range Artillery Vanguard
The PLZ-05, also referred to as the Type 05, represents China’s most advanced tracked self-propelled artillery system, developed to provide the People’s Liberation Army with overwhelming long-range firepower. Introduced in the early 2000s and produced by Norinco, it is widely regarded as a symbol of China’s rapidly evolving defence industry. Built around endurance, striking power, and modern electronics, the PLZ-05 offers China an artillery platform capable of competing with the best Western and Russian systems in service today.
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| PLZ-05 |
Core Specifications and Capabilities
Calibre and Gun System:
Main armament: 155mm, 52-calibre gun.
Maximum range: Around 30–40 km with standard rounds; over 50 km with base bleed ammunition; and potentially beyond 70 km with rocket-assisted or guided projectiles.
Designed to fire precision-guided munitions compatible with China’s indigenous targeting systems.
Firing Performance:
Burst fire: Three rounds within 15 seconds.
Sustained rate: Six to eight rounds per minute.
MRSI capability allows several shells to strike simultaneously, ideal for neutralising well-fortified positions.
Ammunition Capacity:
Onboard storage: Around 30–45 shells depending on configuration.
Semi-automatic loading mechanism improves speed and reduces crew strain during extended engagements.
Mobility and Engine:
Powerplant: Water-cooled diesel engine producing approximately 800–1,000 horsepower.
Maximum speed: Around 55–65 km/h on roads.
Operational range: Estimated at 450 km.
Chassis derived from Chinese main battle tank technology, ensuring robust cross-country mobility.
Protection and Survivability:
Armour: Resistant to small-calibre weapons and artillery fragments.
Crew: Typically five (commander, driver, gunner, two loaders).
CBRN defence system included for operations in hostile environments.
Dimensions and Weight:
Length (gun forward): Approximately 11.6 m.
Width: Around 3.4 m.
Height: 2.7–3.0 m depending on configuration.
Combat weight: Estimated 45–47 tonnes.
Conclusion
The PLZ-05 reflects China’s determination to field world-class artillery systems that match or surpass foreign equivalents. With its impressive range, modern fire-control technology, and capacity for precision-guided strikes, the PLZ-05 has become the centrepiece of the PLA’s artillery arm. Its combination of endurance, adaptability, and firepower ensures that it will remain a key element in China’s strategy for dominating long-range engagements well into the future.
2 - PzH 2000
The Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH 2000) stands as one of the most advanced tracked self-propelled artillery systems in the world, embodying German engineering at its finest. Developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall during the 1990s, it was designed to give NATO forces an artillery system with extraordinary range, accuracy, and endurance. Today, the PzH 2000 continues to serve across Europe and beyond, proving itself in both peacekeeping operations and high-intensity combat.
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| PZH 2000 |
Core Specifications and Capabilities
Calibre and Gun System:
Main armament: 155mm, 52-calibre Rheinmetall gun.
Maximum range: Around 30 km with standard NATO ammunition; over 40 km with base bleed rounds; and up to 60 km with advanced guided projectiles.
Gun designed for consistent accuracy under extended firing conditions.
Firing Performance:
Burst fire: Three rounds in 9 seconds.
Sustained rate: 10–13 rounds per minute, making it one of the fastest-firing systems in its class.
MRSI capability: Able to deliver multiple shells onto a single target simultaneously, overwhelming defensive positions.
Ammunition Capacity:
Onboard storage: Up to 60 projectiles with associated propellant modules.
Fully automated loading and charge system reduces crew workload while enhancing rate of fire and reliability.
Mobility and Engine:
Powerplant: MTU 881 Ka-500 8-cylinder diesel engine producing 1,000 horsepower.
Maximum speed: Approximately 60 km/h on road.
Operational range: Around 420 km.
Tracks and suspension designed to support firing stability even on challenging terrain.
Protection and Survivability:
Armour: Resistant to small-arms fire, shell splinters, and fitted with additional mine protection.
Crew: Five members (commander, driver, gunner, two loaders), though automation reduces physical demands.
Equipped with NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection and automatic fire suppression systems.
Dimensions and Weight:
Length (gun forward): Around 11.7 m.
Width: Approximately 3.6 m.
Height: Around 3 m.
Combat weight: Approximately 55–57 tonnes.
Conclusion
The PzH 2000 has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the most formidable artillery systems in service. Its combination of high-volume fire, long-range precision, and modern survivability makes it not only a key asset for German forces but also a trusted system for numerous NATO allies. In an age where artillery dominance is once again a deciding factor in warfare, the PzH 2000 continues to set benchmarks for what tracked artillery can achieve.
1 - K9 Thunder
The K9 Thunder has earned a distinguished place among tracked self-propelled artillery systems, blending long-range precision with high mobility and battlefield survivability. Conceived to bolster South Korea’s defence posture in the 1990s, it has since grown into a global success story, with multiple nations adopting and adapting it to their operational needs. Below are the key specifications and attributes that make the K9 Thunder one of the most formidable artillery platforms of the present day.
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| K9 Thunder |
Core Specifications and Capabilities
Calibre and Gun System:
Main armament: 155mm, 52-calibre gun.
Maximum range: Approximately 30 km with standard ammunition, extending to 40–50 km with specialised projectiles.
Barrel life: Designed for durability under sustained firing conditions.
Firing Performance:
Burst fire: Three rounds in 15 seconds.
Sustained rate: 6–8 rounds per minute for up to three minutes.
MRSI capability: Multiple shells can be timed to strike simultaneously on a single target.
Ammunition Capacity:
Onboard storage: Around 48 projectiles with propellant charges.
Semi-automatic loading system reduces crew workload and improves consistency.
Mobility and Engine:
Powerplant: MTU MT 881 Ka-500 diesel engine delivering 1,000 horsepower.
Maximum speed: Up to 67 km/h on road.
Operational range: Approximately 360–450 km depending on terrain.
Suspension: Hydropneumatic system ensures stable firing and smooth movement across diverse landscapes.
Protection and Survivability:
Armour: Resistant to small-arms fire and artillery fragments.
Crew: Typically five (commander, driver, gunner, two loaders).
CBRN protection: Equipped with overpressure systems against nuclear, biological, and chemical threats.
Dimensions and Weight:
Length (gun forward): Approx. 12 m.
Width: Around 3.4 m.
Height: About 2.7 m (roof level).
Combat weight: Roughly 47 tonnes.
Support System:
Paired with the K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle, allowing near-continuous firing during extended missions.