Ukraine's heavy artillery returns: US shells revitalize Peony
Ukrainians are deploying their heaviest artillery once more. The self-propelled 2S7 Pion (Peony) guns, the heaviest self-propelled artillery still in service globally, are once again heading to the front.
In Toretsk, located in the Donetsk region, Ukrainians are deploying this powerful Soviet-era gun using American shells. This refers to the 2S7 Peony, a weapon weighing approximately 59,874 kilograms, which was withdrawn from combat in the spring of 2022 due to a lack of suitable ammunition. The army quickly used up its stored shells, but after over two years, the Ukrainians received a supply of US-made shells of the required calibre. The Americans produced similar projectiles for the M110 and M115 guns.
Ukrainians replenish ammunition supplies for the Peony
The defenders now have a fresh supply of shells, enabling them to use equipment against the Russian Federation that remains the heaviest of its kind still in active service worldwide.
As reported by the Ukrainian agency Unian, the Peony causes the entire ground to shake during firing. The giant shells, each weighing about 100 kilograms, are capable of destroying even heavily fortified structures. Additionally, the Peony must reach operating temperature, necessitating firing the gun before the bombardment.
2S7 Peony Howitzer
The 2S7 Peony, also known as the Pion, was designed in the Soviet Union during the early 1970s. This self-propelled gun, with a calibre of 203 millimetres, stands out from other artillery systems due to its massive build and firepower. The first units were introduced into service in 1975, and its range and technological capabilities are still noteworthy today.
The 2S7 Peony's effective firing range is up to 40 kilometres, allowing it to strike targets over long distances. Moreover, with rocket-assisted projectiles, this range extends to over 50 kilometres. The powerful propellant charge makes the shot extremely loud, but engineers have devised solutions to minimise the noise around the gun. The design permits the use of various types of ammunition, including nuclear and chemical shells, further enhancing the threat this weapon poses.
The 2S7 Peony is characterised by high mobility and resilience on the battlefield. Its design, based on a tracked chassis, allows it to traverse difficult terrain, providing a tactical advantage in a changing battlefield. The longevity and efficiency of the system are supported by well-thought-out features, such as a stabilising spade during firing and the capacity to transport a large amount of ammunition. Because of this, the 2S7 not only serves as an effective support weapon but can also withstand counteraction from the enemy.
