That is also the top speed of the 55-ton armored howitzers that will travel from Oirschot in Brabant to Stroe. The distance between those places is about 120 kilometers. But Defense says in a press release that the military column will travel a 200-kilometer route.
Defense is moving the equipment as part of the army’s Ferocious Bison (“ferocious bison”) exercise. Starting Sunday, shooting will take place at the military training grounds in ‘t Harde. The armored howitzers, depending on the type of ammunition, can hit targets at a distance of 50 kilometers.
The armored howitzers are part of 11 Division of Mounted Artillery. This artillery division had been cut in 2013, but was revived in July. This was done in part because of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Ferocious Bison is the first exercise for the returned fire support unit.
Special priority rules apply to military columns. For example, other road users may not cross the column at an intersection. In addition, vehicles are allowed to continue if the traffic light turns red halfway through the column. A military column also does not have to give way at a crosswalk or in front of a bus leaving at a bus stop.
