Zeros with strange weapons (9)

I believe the answer is:

howitzers

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'weapons' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'zeros with strange' is the wordplay.
'strange' is an anagram indicator.
'zeros'+'with'='zeroswith'
'zeroswith' is an anagram of 'HOWITZERS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app