The moment the Lancet UAV attacked the 'world's most powerful' self-propelled gun

Russia released for the first time a video of the Lancet UAV attacking the PzH 2000 complex, one of the world's most powerful self-propelled artillery systems in service with Ukraine.

Russian media on January 31 released a video from a reconnaissance drone, in which a Ukrainian PzH 2000 self-propelled gun was detected while maneuvering. Images from a thermal imaging sensor showed a large heat source on the left side of the vehicle's nose, most likely an engine exhaust outlet, a feature unique to the PzH 2000 and not consistent with other self-propelled guns in Ukrainian service.

In the first video, the PzH 2000 complex, covered in camouflage and most likely anti-UAV netting, is moving into a hidden position under the canopy of trees. The Lancet dives down, hitting the thinnest armor on the turret roof and creating a huge explosion.

The moment the Lancet UAV attacked Ukraine's world-leading artillery — Lancet UAV attacks PzH 2000 self-propelled gun in video released on January 31. Video: *Telegram/The_Wrong_Side*

The second video shows the PzH 2000 gun moving on the road, it is not clear if it is the same battery as the previous video or a different one. The Lancet UAV approaches from the left side and targets the side of the vehicle.

The Russian aircraft detonated remotely, and the fire trail suggests that this may be a Lancet version equipped with a LiDAR sensor and an exploding penetrator (EFP) warhead, designed to counter the anti-UAV steel cage that Ukraine equips many weapons on the battlefield.

The fate of the PzH 2000 system in the video is unknown. This gun is lightly armored, capable of withstanding 14.5mm machine gun bullets fired directly and has a spiked rubber cover to deal with the small armor-piercing warheads fired from cluster munitions. However, this protection is unlikely to be able to withstand the high-penetration EFP warheads on the Lancet.

The Russian Defense Ministry and the Ukrainian military have not commented on the information.

The PzH 2000 is a 155 mm self-propelled gun developed by Germany between 1987 and 1996, then put into mass production and service in the army. The PzH 2000 is considered one of the most powerful howitzer complexes in the world, with the ability to fire 9 rounds per minute, reaching a range of 30-47 km with regular ammunition and 67 km with extended-range ammunition.

Germany began delivering PzH 2000s to Ukraine in June 2022, but 10 of the first 15 systems Ukraine received broke down after just two months due to overuse.

PzH 2000 artillery deployed in Ukraine in July 2022. Photo: Ukrainian Ministry of Defence — PzH 2000 artillery deployed in Ukraine in July 2022. Photo: *Ukrainian Ministry of Defence*

A total of 28 systems were supplied by Berlin to Kiev, but it is unclear how many PzH 2000 guns are still operational. Ukrainian media in November 2022 also published images of a PzH 2000 system damaged by a Lancet UAV.

Vu Anh (According to Rossiyskaya Gazeta, Reuters , Militarnyi )

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