Ukrainian forces bolster defenses with revived 2S7 Peony artillery
Ukrainians are deploying their heaviest artillery. Self-propelled 2S7 Pion (Peony) guns, the heaviest self-propelled artillery installations in the world still in service today, are heading to the front again.
In Toretsk, located in the Donetsk region, Ukrainians are once again using the super-powerful Soviet gun with American shells. This refers to the 2S7 Peony, a weapon weighing approximately 60,000 kilograms, which was withdrawn from combat in the spring of 2022 due to a lack of suitable ammunition. The army quickly used up the shells it had in storage, but after more than two years, Ukrainians received a supply of US-made shells of a specific calibre. Americans produced similar projectiles for the M110 and M115 guns.
Ukrainians with a stockpile of ammunition for the Peony
The defenders now again have a stockpile of shells, which means they are using equipment in the fight against the Russian Federation that is simultaneously the heaviest of its kind in the world still in service.
As reported by the Ukrainian agency Unian, the Peony makes the whole ground shake during firing. The large shells, each weighing about 100 kilograms, can destroy even heavily fortified buildings. Moreover, the Peony must reach operating temperature, which means the gun must be fired before the bombardment.
2S7 Peony howitzer
The 2S7 Peony, also known as Pion, was designed in the Soviet Union in the early 1970s. This self-propelled gun, with a calibre of 203 mm, stands out among other artillery systems with its massive build and firepower. The first units were put into service in 1975, and its range and technological capabilities command respect to this day.
The effective firing range of the 2S7 Peony is up to 40 kilometres, allowing it to strike targets at a long distance. Additionally, the version with rocket-assisted projectiles increases this range to over 50 kilometres. The powerful propellant charge makes the shot extremely loud, but engineers have implemented solutions to minimize noise around the gun. The construction allows for the use of various types of ammunition, including nuclear and chemical shells, which further increase the threat this weapon poses.
The 2S7 Peony is characterized by high mobility and resilience on the battlefield. Its design, based on a tracked chassis, allows movement over difficult terrain, providing an advantage on a changing battlefield. The longevity and efficiency of the system are supported by well-designed solutions, such as a spade for stabilization during firing and the ability to transport a large amount of ammunition. Thanks to this, the 2S7 not only serves as an effective support tool but also can withstand counteraction from the enemy.
