In a strategic move bolstering NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) in Lithuania, the Army of the Czech Republic (ACR) is set to deploy a significant force comprising DANA vz 77 152 mm 8×8 self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) and Tactical Infantry Transport and Utility System (TITUS) 6×6 armoured vehicles. This deployment signifies a robust commitment to NATO’s defense initiatives and regional stability in the Baltic region. The Czech task force’s primary objective will be to provide formidable fire support to the eFP battlegroup stationed in Lithuania. Collaborating closely with contingents from the Belgian, Dutch, and Norwegian armies, under the command of a German panzer battalion, the Czech Army aims to synergize their capabilities through joint training exercises. This collaborative effort seeks to fortify the defense capabilities of the Lithuanian Iron Wolf Brigade and reinforce NATO’s collective deterrence posture in the region.
The 3rd Task Force of the Czech Army, spearheaded by the 131st Artillery Battalion, will be at the forefront of this deployment to Lithuania. The battery of DANA SPHs, renowned for their firepower and mobility, will serve as a pivotal element within the German-led eFP NATO battlegroup stationed in Lithuania. Comprising over 100 soldiers, the task force will include fire support and artillery reconnaissance troops, along with essential staff and support personnel. Simultaneously, the ACR’s 13th Artillery Regiment will introduce the TITUS 6×6 armoured vehicles into their artillery fleet. These 21 TITUS vehicles, set to replace the PV3S truck, will primarily function as fire support co-ordination posts. Equipped with the advanced ADLER III automated fire control system, these vehicles signify a transformative leap in the Czech Army’s artillery fire control capabilities, enabling enhanced precision and digitization within their artillery operations.
The DANA (Delo automobilní nabíjené automaticky, gun on truck loaded automatically) is a wheeled self-propelled artillery piece. It is also known as the Samohybná Kanónová Húfnica vzor 77 (ShKH vz. 77; self-propelled gun howitzer model 77). It was designed by Konštrukta Tren?ín and built by ZTS Dubnica nad Váhom in the former Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia). Introduced in the 1970s, it was the first wheeled 152 mm self-propelled artillery gun to enter service. It is based on a modified eight-wheel drive (8×8) Tatra 815 chassis with excellent cross-country mobility. Compared to tracked vehicles, wheeled vehicles have the advantages of being cheaper to build and easier to maintain with greater mobility. Tire pressure can be regulated to allow good mobility off-road and there is power-assisted steering on the front four wheels. It lowers 3 hydraulic stabilizers into the ground before firing, and has a roof mounted crane to assist with ammunition loading.
TITUS (Tactical Infantry Transport & Utility System) is the result of the co-operation between companies TATRA DEFENCE VEHICLE, TATRA TRUCK and French manufacturer of specialized defence land forces products NEXTER SYSTEMS. TITUS belongs to the MRAV (Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle) category vehicle with ballistic and anti-mine protection from Level 1 till 4 of STANAG 4569, including CBR protection system. By using various mission kits and thanks to high compatibility with the modern weapon stations, can TITUS be fully adjusted according to user requirements. Because of TITUS high modularity, TITUS can be deployed in various roles and configurations: infantry fighting vehicle, ambulance, commander vehicle, communication vehicle, mortar carrier, recovery vehicle, combat system carrier (anti-tank, anti-aircraft defence system), reconnaissance vehicle, Police version.
