Ukraine receives mystery weapon shipment: Is Bulgaria involved?
Social media has been circulating photos of new equipment that recently arrived in Ukraine—122 mm 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers. Analysts from the Defense Express portal noted that this mysterious support, which no government has admitted to, may come from Bulgaria.
According to analysts, Bulgaria may have provided the Gvozdika howitzers delivered to the Ukrainian armed forces. The specific green paint indicates that they originated from this Balkan country in southeastern Europe.
Did Bulgaria secretly deliver equipment to Ukraine?
Another clue suggesting that the new Ukrainian weapon is Bulgarian reports from the first months of 2024, when Bulgaria "was preparing to deliver some of its equipment from warehouses to Ukraine, specifically Gvozdikas," according to Defense Express.
Sofia reportedly had 48 2S1 Gvozdika howitzers at the beginning of last year, according to data from the 2023 Military Balance report. However, it is not known how many machines could have been transferred from warehouses to Kyiv. Analysts from Defense Express emphasize that the weapons transfer took place "in a mysterious atmosphere." Experts also recall that this may result from last year's issues with the Bulgarian government blocking the transfer of 100 BTR-60 personnel carriers to Ukraine.
Additionally, Kyiv received 2S1 Gvozdika howitzers from Poland. In 2023, Warsaw sent 22 pieces of this weapon to the front. Recently, the Ukrainian armed forces were reportedly supported by Gvozdikas from Finland, indicated by their specific camouflage.
The 2S1 Gvozdika howitzers are equipment produced during Soviet times. The first prototype of this 122 mm self-propelled howitzer was built in 1967. Serial production began four years later, in 1971, and was also conducted in Poland and Bulgaria.
The Gvozdika is a howitzer with a standard layout for this type of weapon, but with a low profile, which is significant in terms of its detectability and overall usability. The 2S1 is powered by a unit generating about 300 HP, which accelerates the structure to a speed of 37 mph on the road and about 3 mph in the water.
The maximum range of high-explosive shells used by this howitzer exceeds 9 miles. However, rounds with rockets extend the Gvozdika’s range to almost 14 miles. Usually, 40 rounds of ammunition are inside the 2S1, but when the vehicle needs to cross a body of water, it should be reduced to 30.
