Ukrainian artillery roars back: Peony Howitzers return to action

In Toretsk, a city in the Donetsk region, Ukrainians are employing the highly powerful Soviet guns equipped with American shells. This pertains to the 2S7 Peony, weighing 132,000 pounds, which was taken out of combat in the spring of 2022 due to a shortage of suitable ammunition. The army quickly exhausted its stockpile of shells, but after more than two years, Ukrainians received a supply of US-made shells of a specific calibre. Americans had produced similar projectiles for the M110 and M115 guns.

The defenders now have a renewed stockpile of shells, allowing them to use equipment against the Russian Federation that remains the heaviest of its kind still in service worldwide.

The Peony – as reported by the Ukrainian agency Unian – causes the ground to shake during firing, and its massive shells, each weighing 220 pounds, can destroy heavily fortified buildings. Additionally, the Peony needs to reach operating temperature, requiring several firings before the actual bombardment begins.

The 2S7 Peony, also known as the Pion, was designed in the Soviet Union in the early 1970s. This self-propelled gun, with an 8-inch caliber, stands out among other artillery systems for its massive build and firepower. The first units were deployed in 1975, and their range and technological capabilities continue to command respect today.

The effective firing range of the 2S7 Peony is up to 25 miles, allowing it to hit distant targets. Furthermore, versions with rocket-assisted projectiles extend this range to over 31 miles. 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, significantly increasing the threat posed by this weapon.

The 2S7 Peony is known for its high mobility and resilience on the battlefield. Its design, which includes a tracked chassis, enables movement over challenging terrain, providing an advantage in a dynamic battlefield environment. Well-designed features, such as a spade for stabilization during firing and the capacity to transport a substantial amount of ammunition, bolster the longevity and efficiency of the system. As a result, the 2S7 not only serves as an effective support tool but can also withstand enemy counteractions.