The DANA M1 CZ is an upgraded version of the DANA that was adopted by the former Czechoslovakia in 1981. Currently the original DANA is in service with the Czech republic, Slovakia, Georgia, Poland and Libya. The new upgrade was developed by Excalibur Army. First prototype of the DANA M1 CZ was completed in 2011. It has a modified chassis with new engine, new fire control system, new navigation aids and a number of other improvements. This Czech artillery system has been exported to Azerbaijan, despite the arms embargo imposed on Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani howitzers were first publicly revealed in 2017.

Unlike many self-propelled howitzers, the DANA M1 CZ is based on an armored 8x8 wheeled chassis. Such chassis is less expensive to build and to maintain comparing with tracked chassis.

The DANA M1 CZ uses the same 152 mm gun of the original DANA. The gun is mounted externally between two separated compartments of the turret. In this way the crew is completely isolated from potentially dangerous gun and autoloader mechanisms and is protected from the powder gasses generated during firing. Turret traverse is 225°, however firing envelope is limited to 45°.

It fires all standard all standard Soviet and indigenous 152 mm rounds. It carries 3 main types of ammunition, including standard high-explosive rounds, extended-range high-explosive rounds and high-explosive anti-tank rounds for direct firing at an armored targets. Maximum range of fire is 18.7 km with standard and 25.5 with rocket-assisted projectile. This artillery system is capable of both direct and indirect firing.

This artillery system fitted with an autoloader. Rounds are fed automatically. It loads shells and charges at any elevation. A total of 40 to 60 rounds are carried by this artillery system. 36 rounds are stored in autoloader's conveyor. Autoloader can load the gun at any angle of elevation.

This artillery system can launch up to 5 round per minute in full-auto mode. Manual rate of fire is reduced to 2 rounds per minute. Sustained rate of fire is around 1.5 rounds per minute.

The DANA M1 CZ is fitted with new fire control system. It can be integrated into the C4I systems. Vehicle is also fitted with navigation system.

There is also a roof-mounted 12.7 mm machine gun for self-defense.

Vehicle has a modified armored cabin. Armor of the DANA M1 CZ provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters.

This artillery system has quick preparation for firing and brief redeployment time. Three hydraulic stabilizers are lowered into the ground before firing.

This artillery system is operated by a crew of 5. The crew operates under complete armor protection.

Vehicle is powered by an upgraded Tatra T3-930-52 turbocharged and air-cooled diesel engine, developing 355 hp. The same engine is used by Slovak Zuzana. Engine is located at the rear. It is mated to a Tatra 5-speed semi-automatic transmission. Chassis upgrade has resulted in improved driving properties of the vehicle. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre inflation system. However it has inferior cross-country performance comparing to that of tracked vehicles.

Normally a battery of DANA M1 CZ would be supported by a fire control vehicle and ammunition supply vehicles. However, if required, each artillery system can operate on its own.

A couple of years ago Konstrukta Defence of Slovakia revealed their updated version of the DANA. The Slovak version is called Zuzana 2. Overall it is a much capable system. It is armed with a standard NATO 155 mm/L52 gun. It has a much longer firing range, much more powerful engine, heavily-armored cab, and some other advantages over the Czech DANA M1 CZ.

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