Ukrainian drone strategy dismantles Russian 2S7 Pion artillery
Ukrainians are methodically working to eliminate Russian support weapons such as defense systems, anti-aircraft systems, radars, and self-propelled artillery. One of the most dangerous systems is the 2S7 Pion howitzer, known for its massive destructive power. Here's a look at what Russian atomic artillery can do and how it performs in modern warfare.
1:06 PM EDT, October 10, 2024
In the Luhansk region, a Ukrainian drone detected the position of a 2S7 Pion howitzer. However, they waited to attack with a GMLRS M30A1 rocket until an ammunition vehicle arrived with a fresh supply of shells and propellant charges.
Only then did the Ukrainians launch the rocket, which exploded above the target, showering the area with tungsten fragments. These fragments struck the exposed crew and ignited the ammunition, causing a large explosion.
2S7 Pion — a nuclear relic of the Cold War essential for the Russians
The 2S7 Pion howitzers were developed in the Soviet Union in the 1970s as a heavy, long-range artillery system. Their main function was to destroy important targets, such as fuel or ammunition depots. Additionally, they were capable of firing shells with a small thermonuclear warhead.
The 203 mm caliber howitzer met Russian requirements. It was mounted on a T-80 tank chassis, creating a self-propelled artillery system with massive destructive power. It was capable of shelling targets over a range of more than 19 miles. This was an advancement compared to the 2S1 Gvozdika howitzers of 122 mm caliber, which had a range of up to 9 miles, or the 2S3 Akatsiya of 152 mm caliber, which had a range of 11 miles for the simplest shells.
The 2S7 Pion can fire standard projectiles weighing slightly over 220 pounds at a rate of up to 1.5 rounds per minute, reaching distances of 22 miles. With rocket-assisted projectiles, this range increases to about 31 miles. Currently, such distances are also achievable by modern NATO artillery systems of 155 mm caliber provided to Ukraine. The Russians have brought old Pions out of storage to achieve such capabilities.
These systems are highly vulnerable to attack despite their impressive range and massive destructive power. Their preparation for firing takes significant time and requires a crew of up to 14 soldiers. Interestingly, Russia and Ukraine have depleted their supply of ammunition for this artillery. Currently, Pions are using American ammunition designed for M110 howitzers. In Ukraine’s case, they received shells from the USA, while Russia received them from Iran.
