TechUkrainian forces dismantle key Russian artillery on Zaporizhzhia front

Ukrainian forces dismantle key Russian artillery on Zaporizhzhia front

2S7 Pion during firing, illustrative photo
2S7 Pion during firing, illustrative photo
Images source: © Wikipedia
Mateusz Tomczak

20 March 2024 18:44

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence has released a video showcasing recent attacks on Russian artillery. What enemy equipment was successfully neutralised?

The video provides a summary of successful Ukrainian attacks all completed within one day on the Zaporizhzhia front. The Russian equipment was primarily targeted by drones from the air, a tactic frequently employed by both parties in the conflict. This occasion proved its effectiveness to the aggressor's forces.

Ukrainians destroy Russian artillery

"This is called a job well done," commented the Ukrainians, noting the destruction of the enemy's 2S7 Pion artillery, 2S1 Carnation, and two D-30 howitzers, in addition to an armoured personnel carrier and five cars.

The destruction of the 2S7 Pion garnered significant attention. It is a piece of heavy artillery and a formidable weapon in the Russian arsenal, termed as part of Putin's "murderous bouquet". The 2S7 Pion hosts a 2A44 cannon for firing 203 mm calibre shells. It is primarily used with fragmentation-explosive shells but can also fire nuclear and chemical munitions.

With standard shells, the 2S7 Pion can reach targets up to 40 km away, and with rocket-assisted projectiles, it can strike up to 50 km. This capability allows the Russians to hit critical Ukrainian sites, like ammunition depots or fortifications, with minimal risk. The 2S7 Pion is self-propelled, mounting the cannon on a T-80 tank chassis.

Russians still possess a significant number of 2S1 Carnation artillery

The destruction of the 2S1 Carnation also figured among the Russian losses. Recent estimates show that, along with 2S3 Acacia and 2S5 Hyacinth systems, it ranks among the most abundant artillery systems Russia still has in reserve, with around 1,800 pieces estimated to be available.

This howitzer, designed in the 1970s, uses the chassis of an MT-LB armoured personnel carrier. It fires 122 mm calibre shells and can hit targets up to 26 km away.

The two D-30 howitzers that were destroyed represent the least significant loss to the invaders. These towed howitzers, developed in the late 1950s, discharge 122 mm calibre shells capable of reaching targets up to 19 km away.