Mystery artillery aids Ukraine: Balkan origins suspected
Ukrainian artillerymen have released a recording showing an unknown artillery system being used on the front, according to the Ukrainian portal Defense Express. Analysts suggest that the weapon most likely originates from former Yugoslav countries, but no official transfers have been announced.
The "Dniepr-1" Fire Support Regiment from Ukraine, part of the "Lut" brigade, is using a weapon of unknown origin, as seen in the recording published by Ukrainians on social media. The howitzer, based on Soviet systems D-20 and D-74 with an unknown caliber, could be, according to analysts from Defense Express, a 155 mm caliber weapon from Bosnia and Herzegovina or Croatia.
Weapon of unknown origin in Ukraine
The howitzer seen in the social media recording is estimated to have a caliber of 152 mm or 155 mm. The barrel length is approximately 128 feet. Experts point out that the closest equivalent is the Nora M-84 system, developed in the former Yugoslavia.
After the breakup of Yugoslavia, Serbia acquired most of the Nora M-84 systems. Some of these systems ended up in Bosnia and Croatia. Analysts explain that the source of the transfer could be one of these countries—possibly Croatia, where all these howitzers were stored due to non-compliance with NATO standards. Defense Express adds that Croatia has previously supplied Ukraine with various weapons, including the M-46 (also withdrawn from service in Croatia due to a lack of NATO standards).
As noted, the second country that could have provided Ukraine with Nora M-84 howitzers is Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although this country does not send equipment directly, it does so with the help of intermediaries.
Defense Express notes that this source might correspond to the specific barrel design seen in the howitzer shown in the recording. This refers to the weapon named M94, which has a 155 mm caliber and a barrel length of 128 feet. Furthermore, the Ministry of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina reported in February 2025 that all products from the company responsible for the M94 are exported. Analysts believe that it can be assumed that the equipment was delivered to a foreign client and eventually made its way to Ukraine.
