The PLZ-45 155mm self-propelled howitzer weapon system is a large-caliber self-propelled artillery weapon system successfully developed by China in the mid-1990s. The weapon system is attached to the group army, mechanized infantry division, reserve artillery division and tank division. It has joint and independent combat capabilities and is used to fight enemy artillery, suppress enemy tactical weapons and other important tactical targets, and annihilate the enemy’s vital forces and firearms. , destroy the enemy’s field fortifications, and be able to fight against enemy tanks and armored vehicles, and support the combat operations of motorized infantry and armored troops with uninterrupted firepower.
The PLZ-45 self-propelled howitzer is used by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, the Algerian People’s National Army, the Kuwait Army and the Saudi Arabian Army.
PLZ-45 SPH Specifications
Mass: 33 tonnes
Length: 10.5 m (34 ft 5 in)
Width: 3.3 m (10 ft 10 in)
Height: 2.6 m (8 ft 6 in) with AAMG
Crew: 5
Caliber: 155mm (45 calibre)
Traverse : 360°
Rate of fire Maximum: 5 rounds/min
Sustained: 2 rounds/min
Effective firing range (HE): 24 km; (ERFB) 30 km; (ERFB-HB-BB) 39 km
Armor
Protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters
Main armament: 155 mm howitzer
Secondary armament:12.7 mm heavy machine gun
2 sets of 4-barrel grenade launchers
Engine: Deutz turbocharged air-cooled diesel engine
525 hp (391 kW)
Power/weight:15 hp/tonne
Suspension:Torsion bar
Operational range: 550 km (340 mi)
Maximum speed: 55 km/h (34 mph) (on-road)
Key Specifications of the PLZ-45 System
Parameter |
Specification |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 155 mm |
| Barrel Length | 45 Calibers (L/45) |
| Rate of Fire | 3–4 rounds/min (sustained), up to 8 rounds/min (burst) |
| Maximum Range | 39 km (with extended-range ammunition) |
| Crew | 5 (Commander, Driver, Gunner, 2 Loaders) |
| Engine | 730 hp diesel engine |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | ~20 hp/ton |
| Maximum Road Speed | 55 km/h |
| Operational Range | 450 km |
| Armor Protection | All-welded steel armor, NBC protection |
| Fire Control System | Digital, integrated with navigation and targeting |
| Ammunition Types | HE, HE-FRAG, Smoke, Illumination, Rocket-Assisted (RAP) |
| Autoloader | Semi-automatic loading system |
| Elevation Range | -3° to +72° |
| Traverse | 360° (turret rotation) |
| Suspension | Torsion bar with hydraulic shock absorbers |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 11.7 m × 3.3 m × 2.6 m |
| Weight | ~33 tons |
Integrated Artillery System (Not Just a Gun)
The PLZ-45 is not merely a self-propelled howitzer; it is part of a complete artillery brigade solution that includes:
- PLZ-45 SPH: The main gun platform.
- PCZ-45 Command Vehicle: Equipped with battlefield management systems for fire direction and coordination.
- ZY-45 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle: Carries 150 additional rounds and supports rapid reloading.
- GCL-45 Survey and Reconnaissance Vehicle: Performs terrain survey, positioning, and ballistic calculations.
- Maintenance and Support Vehicles: Ensures high operational availability.
This integrated approach enhances situational awareness, reduces response time, and increases overall artillery effectiveness.
Advantages Over Competitors
While competing with systems like the American M109A6 Paladin and the German PzH 2000, the PLZ-45 offers several distinct advantages:
| Feature | PLZ-45 | M109A6 Paladin | PzH 2000 | Advantage of PLZ-45 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| System Integration | Full suite of support vehicles included | Limited integrated support systems | Good integration, but higher cost | Superior turnkey solution – ready for rapid deployment |
| Cost-Effectiveness | Lower acquisition and maintenance cost | High lifecycle cost | Very high acquisition cost | More affordable for budget-conscious militaries |
| Rate of Fire (Burst) | Up to 8 rounds/min in 3-round bursts | ~4 rounds/min | 10–13 rounds/min | Competitive burst fire; better than M109 |
| Fire Control & Automation | Advanced digital FCS with GPS/INS navigation | Modern FCS but older design baseline | Highly automated | Modern, responsive targeting with integrated comms |
| Export Availability | Widely available for export | Restricted by U.S. export controls | EU export restrictions apply | Greater export flexibility |
| Operational Range | 450 km | ~360 km | ~500 km | Better than M109, slightly less than PzH 2000 |
| Survivability | NBC protection, armored cabin | NBC, limited armor | High survivability, advanced armor | Balanced protection at lower cost |
Strategic Edge
- Rapid Deployment: The PLZ-45 system is designed for quick setup and shoot-and-scoot tactics, reducing vulnerability to counter-battery fire.
- Digital Battlefield Integration: The command and control vehicles enable network-centric operations, allowing real-time coordination with other units.
- Proven Export Success: Adopted by countries such as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, the system has demonstrated reliability in desert environments.
Conclusion
The PLZ-45 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer System stands out as a balanced, cost-effective, and fully integrated artillery solution. While it may not match the peak performance of the PzH 2000, it offers superior value and system completeness compared to the aging M109 series. For nations seeking a modern, export-friendly artillery platform with strong logistical and command support, the PLZ-45 presents a compelling choice in the global defense market.
