As of October 2025, the Ukrainian artillery system "Bohdana" accounts for about 40% of all artillery systems used on the front lines. Colonel Andriy Zhuravlyov, deputy chief of staff of the Rocket Forces and Artillery Command, reported this.
He noted that the Rocket Forces and Artillery are not only ordering "Bohdanas" but also oversee the entire process of their development – from requirement formulation to adoption into service.
"We analyze usage, study capabilities, and can approach the manufacturer with suggestions for improvements," Zhuravlyov emphasized.
According to the characteristics, the Ukrainian "Bohdana" is already approaching the level of Western systems, particularly the French CAESAR. At the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022, this system was still in development, while CAESAR was created over a span of seven years.
Testing of "Bohdana" began in 2022, and its modernization is ongoing. Currently, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have both self-propelled and towed variants of this system, with the towed version undergoing testing at the start of 2025.
The manufacturer has also developed an automated control system for "Bohdana," which reduces preparation time for firing, and testing of the loading mechanism is underway. Additionally, a new artillery system with a barrel length of 39 calibers is being created alongside the existing 52-caliber version.
Zhuravlyov highlighted numerous advantages of "Bohdana" over foreign artillery systems, including its ability to use a wide range of ammunition types, which simplifies logistics, and its significant barrel lifespan.
"Today, it is likely one of the most reliable artillery systems in terms of endurance. Its technical readiness on the front reaches 80%. This indicates its superior survivability," he pointed out.
The Rocket Forces and Artillery do not rule out that in the medium term, "Bohdana" could become the base artillery system of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in various modifications.
Throughout the war, Ukrainian artillery has undergone substantial transformation – from using Soviet models to integrating Western systems and domestic developments. A key element of this process has been the 155mm self-propelled howitzer "Bohdana." More details can be found in the article "Defense": "Self-Propelled Howitzer 'Bohdana', competition with FPV drones, and the ever-living Soviet howitzers."
