Russia Faces Artillery Crunch: Scrambles to Replace Lost 2S7 Pions

There has been a noticeable absence of reports on the Russian 2S7 Pion artillery systems in the media despite frequent mentions and visual evidence of their deployment earlier in the year. This includes many videos and photos documenting the aftermath of Ukrainian strikes on these units.

It is important to highlight the limited availability of 2S7 Pions in Russian warehouses, with no more than 100 units remaining deemed suitable for refurbishment. Kovalenko points out that repairing these systems is expensive and time-consuming, largely because the 2S7 Pion offers considerable range and striking power, thanks to its 8-inch caliber projectiles. This factor may prompt Russia to seek assistance from its closest allies.

"I wouldn't discount the possibility of Russia attempting to secure similar 8-inch caliber artillery systems from allies like Iran and North Korea. The rate at which 2S7 Pions are being restored from post-Soviet reserves doesn't keep up with their loss rate in Ukraine. It's essential to remember that their numbers are finite, and production has ceased," the expert concludes.

The 2S7 Pion artillery systems, which originated from the Soviet era, were first introduced in the early 1970s. Their range is comparable to that of NATO artillery, which Ukraine has been receiving to bolster its defenses. Capable of hitting targets up to 25 miles away—and even further, at 31 miles, with rocket-assisted projectiles—the 2S7 Pion delivers substantial destructive power with projectiles weighing over 220 lbs.

However, this impressive capability comes at the cost of a lower rate of fire. The 2S7 Pion is versatile and capable of launching fragmentation, chemical, and nuclear warheads.