Iranian-made American artillery finds new life on Russian front lines
Photos have emerged online depicting Russians utilizing American artillery shells of M106 caliber, 8 inches, in 2S7 Pion systems. We delve into how this is possible and the origins of these shells.
On a Russian Telegram channel, photos were shared showing an M106 artillery shell, 8 inches in diameter, alongside gunpowder charges labelled as "Izdelie 203" produced in 2023.
This ammunition, designed for the American howitzer M110, which Iran also possesses alongside the capability to manufacture such ammunition, seems to have found its way to Russia. Apart from artillery ammunition of cal. 122 mm and 152 mm, rockets of cal. 122 mm, drones and ballistic missiles, Iran has also provided these high-calibre shells.
Their deployment in Soviet-manufactured 2S7 Pion systems is logical, as Ukrainians have utilized this ammunition from the USA in their Pions as recently as 2023. Now, it appears that the Russians are employing a similar strategy.
American shells in a Soviet-era city destroyer - it is conceivable
The 2S7 Pion systems' capability to fire over 100 kg (approximately 220-pound) shells, which inflict significantly more destruction than standard calibers like 152 mm or 155 mm, is highly esteemed by both Ukrainians and Russians. For the Russians, the Pions are among the few systems capable of reaching targets more than 30 km (about 18.6 miles) away using bare shells, providing them some capability to return artillery fire.
It's uncertain whether the American shells fit seamlessly or if chamber modifications were necessary. For the M110A1 howitzer, the M106 shells had an effective range of up to 25 km (about 15.5 miles). Still, for the Pion, this distance is expected to be longer due to a longer barrel increasing the muzzle velocity of the shell, potentially reaching around 40 km (about 24.8 miles) as standard. Although American shells are slightly lighter at 90 kg (around 198 pounds) than their Russian counterparts, a 15 kg (about 33 pounds) TNT charge ensures efficacious destruction of field fortifications.
2S7 Pion artillery systems - a relic of the USSR with extensive range and firepower
Designed in the 1970s, the 2S7 Pion artillery system incorporates a powerful 8-inch calibre gun on a T-80 tank chassis. The howitzer can strike targets up to 47/55 km (approximately 29/34 miles) away using ammunition equipped with an additional rocket engine. It is aimed at destroying strategic locations such as ammunition depots, command centres, or fortifications.
Given the shells' weight, the Pion's maximum firing rate is 1.5 rounds per minute, with the vehicle only able to carry four shells simultaneously. Thus, the Pion is always accompanied by additional vehicles, which transport ammunition and protect half of the 14-member crew.
Although now significantly outdated and considered obsolete in the age of counter-battery fire, which can target a position in mere seconds due to its lengthy setup and relocation time, the Pion still holds advantages in Ukraine owing to its formidable destructive capability.
