Rare footage emerges: Ukraine's unique 2B16 Nona-K in action

A video circulating on the internet reveals the unusual weapon in Ukraine's arsenal: the towed artillery system 2B16 Nona-K. We delve into the capabilities of this seldom seen frontline weapon.

The 92nd Brigade, named after Ivan Sirko, prepared the video featuring this unique Ukrainian weapon. The Nona-K system, as they explain, is utilized for actions against small squads of invading forces. Distinctly, since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began, Kiev had only two Nona-K systems, as reported by Defence Express.

In the course of battle, the Ukrainians may have seized up to eight similar towed artillery systems from the Russians, meaning at most only ten such weapons remain in active service. Further, the most recent evidence of Nona-K usage on the front line is from May 2022. Since the last verified use of this artillery type in Ukraine, a year and a half has gone by.

The 2B16 towed artillery system is employed not only by the Ukrainian forces but predominantly by the Russian ones who, according to the Military Balance 2023 report, possess around 80 units of Nona-K.

This weapon is designed primarily to engage enemy infantry and support landing actions (lightly armored vehicles). It is based on the chassis of the BMD-1 combat vehicle and represents a towed version of the self-propelled mortar 2S9 Nona-S. Generally, the 2B16 can strike targets located approximately 5.6 miles away, dependent on the ammunition utilized. The rate of fire is pegged at a maximum of 10 shots per minute.

Standard projectiles utilised by the towed artillery include:

• 120mm caliber Fragmentation (HE-FRAG);
• Anti-tank fragmentation (HEAT);
• 120mm caliber Mortar bombs.

The most commonly fired are the OF-843B, OF-34, and OF-38, in addition to the illuminating S-843, incendiary 3Z2, and smoke 3D5. Their firing range exceeds 4.3 miles.

The Army Guide portal suggests that the Nona-K is typically towed by a light GAZ-66 4x4 truck for flat surface transportation, or a light UAZ-469 vehicle for short and challenging terrains. The 2B16 weighs roughly 1.3 tons and requires a five-person crew for operation.