The fall of Ukraine's elusive 2S22 Bogdana: A blow to local arms prowess

The Ukrainian 2S22 Bogdana, a beacon of the local arms industry, remained elusive to Russians for a considerable time. This changed dramatically when, in just one week, the invaders destroyed three of these artillery pieces. But what is the 2S22 Bogdana, and what capabilities does it boast?

The 2S22 Bogdana represents a pivotal symbol of the ongoing conflict. Ukraine was developed in 2016 and unveiled two years later, and relied on a solitary prototype model. During the operation, this model was pressed into service to reclaim Snake Island from Russian control. Its effective performance led to the decision to commence mass production, yielding several improved variants.

The Ukrainian defence industry equips the military with multiple 2S22 Bogdana units each month. The design incorporates a cannon that fires 155 mm calibre projectiles, the standard for NATO forces.

With conventional ammunition, the 2S22 Bogdana can strike targets up to approximately 35 kilometres away and up to about 60 kilometres with rocket-assisted rounds. It boasts a firing rate of six rounds per minute. Earlier models of the 2S22 Bogdana were mounted on a 6x6 chassis, while the latest versions utilize the chassis of Czech Tatra trucks configured with an 8x8 drivetrain. They also feature enhancements such as an automated loading system and an armoured cab.

In February of this year, reports surfaced of a 2S22 Bogdana howitzer being damaged by an enemy drone strike, marking a significant shift in the conflict dynamics.

Three 2S22 Bogdana units were hit within a week, signalling a major escalation. The accompanying social media visuals suggest these were not mere damages but complete annihilations.

Lancet kamikaze drones are the primary culprits in these destructions. These unmanned aerial vehicles can carry explosive payloads weighing several pounds and achieve speeds of roughly 110 kilometres per hour, and they have shown effectiveness against other artillery systems like the Polish Krabs. For the Ukrainians, the recently enhanced Russian aerial reconnaissance capabilities pose an additional challenge.