Targeting 2S7 Pions: Ukraine's strategic artillery assault
Ukrainians are systematically trying to eliminate Russian support weapons such as air defence, radars, or self-propelled artillery. One of the dangerous systems is the 2S7 Pion howitzer, possessing immense destructive power. Here's what Russian nuclear artillery can do and how it fares in modern warfare.
In the Luhansk region, a Ukrainian drone detected the position of a 2S7 Pion howitzer. Still, they waited to attack with a GMLRS M30A1 rocket until an ammunition vehicle arrived with a fresh supply of shells and propellant charges.
Only then did the Ukrainians launch the missile, which exploded above the target, covering the area with a distinctive hail of tungsten fragments. These struck the exposed crew and ignited the ammunition, resulting in a large explosion.
2S7 Pion — a nuclear relic of the Cold War essential for Russians
The 2S7 Pion howitzers were developed in the Soviet Union in the 1970s as heavy, long-range artillery systems. Their main task was to destroy key targets, such as fuel or ammunition depots. Additionally, they could fire shells with a small thermonuclear warhead.
The Russian requirements were met with a 203 mm calibre howitzer mounted on a T-80 tank chassis, creating a self-propelled artillery system with tremendous destructive power capable of firing at targets over 30 kilometres. This was an advancement compared to, for example, the 2S1 Gvozdika howitzer, with a calibre of 122 mm and a range of up to 14 kilometres, or the 2S3 Akatsiya, with a calibre of 152 mm and a range of 18 kilometres for the simplest shells.
Meanwhile, the 2S7 Pion can fire up to 1.5 rounds per minute, with standard shells weighing over 100 kg, to a distance of 35 kilometres. When using rocket-assisted shells, this increases to about 50 kilometres. Currently, such distances are achievable for modern NATO artillery systems with a calibre of 155 mm provided to Ukraine. To maintain the capability to fire at such distances, Russians have brought old Pion units out of storage.
However, it’s worth noting that these systems, despite their good range and immense destructive power, are very vulnerable to attack. Their preparation for firing takes a long time, requiring a crew of 14 soldiers. Interestingly, ammunition for this artillery has run out for both Russia and Ukraine and currently, Pions are firing American ammunition for M110 howitzers. In Ukraine's case, they received shells from the USA and Russia from Iran.
