Denmark's discreet delivery: Soviet howitzers boost Ukraine aid
In the past, Denmark has transferred all its 19 Caesar howitzers to Ukraine. The support list also included M109A3 howitzers. However, as analysts from the Ukrainian portal Defense Express are now noticing, Copenhagen found additional weapons—and they were handed over "quietly." The focus is on Soviet 2S1 Gvozdika howitzers.
Denmark, known for transferring all its Caesar self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine, has once again surprised with more support. This time, Soviet 2S1 Gvozdika howitzers have reached the Ukrainian armed forces. The transfer of this equipment was done without any prior public announcement. Denmark sent the equipment "quietly," and analysts from Defense Express noticed it by referring to the updated list of support provided on Denmark's government website.
New support for Ukraine
Copenhagen is one of the key suppliers of weapons to Ukraine. In addition to the Caesar howitzers, the country ordered additional units for Ukraine, including Slovak Zuzana-2 and Ukrainian Bogdana. Cooperation with Germany and Norway allowed for increased deliveries.
Denmark not only provides artillery but also other types of military equipment. Among them are F-16 fighters, over 140 Leopard 1 tanks, and M113 armoured personnel carriers. The total value of military support is 64.8 billion Danish kroner, which corresponds to an amount of approximately 13 billion CAD.
Mysterious origin of the howitzers
It's not clear where exactly the mentioned 2S1 Gvozdika howitzers came from. Defense Express explains that this equipment is used in many countries, making it difficult to determine its exact source. It's possible that Denmark bought these weapons "externally" to pass the howitzers to Ukraine.
Let us recall that the 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer is a tracked design from the 1960s. It is powered by an engine generating either 230 or 320 horsepower (depending on the version), allowing this 17-ton weapon to reach a maximum speed of 60 km/h. The Gvozdika's armament consists of a single 122 mm 2A31 howitzer with a range of 15 km (with the potential to increase to 23 km when using rocket-assisted ammunition).
