Exclusive: Denmark strengthens Ukraine’s artillery with a discreet delivery of 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers.

On January 21, 2025, Hans Tino Hansen noted that the Danish Ministry of Defence quietly added the 2S1 Gvozdika 122mm self-propelled howitzer to its list of military donations to Ukraine. The quantity remains unspecified, and the origin of these systems has not been disclosed. This discreet donation exemplifies Denmark’s continued support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, which began on February 24, 2022.
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Denmark’s donation could have originated from surplus inventories of former Warsaw Pact countries, such as Poland or the Czech Republic, which have previously transferred second-hand 2S1s to Ukraine. (Picture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)

Denmark has allocated approximately €8.42 billion in military support through the Ukraine Fund, established in March 2023. The fund finances donations of weapons, training, and logistical support for Ukraine’s defense forces. Contributions include Leopard 1 and Leopard 2 tanks, Harpoon coastal defense missile systems, and F-16 fighter jets. Denmark was the first country to donate F-16 aircraft to Ukraine. Additionally, Denmark has funded weapons procurement directly from Ukraine’s defense industry.

Training efforts by Denmark include participation in Operation INTERFLEX, a UK-led initiative providing Ukrainian personnel with basic military skills, and the EU’s EUMAM Ukraine program. Danish-led training activities have covered mine clearance, Leopard tank operations, and F-16 pilot preparation. Denmark also coordinates with international partners to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities through joint procurement initiatives and training programs.

In addition to military aid, Denmark has contributed to humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts. Reconstruction has focused on Mykolaiv, where Denmark has supported the restoration of energy, water infrastructure, and social services. Financial contributions include direct aid and guarantees for international initiatives, such as the World Bank’s funding for public services in Ukraine.

The 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer has been widely deployed across the globe, with over 10,000 units produced between 1968 and 1991. Current operators include Ukraine, Poland, Azerbaijan, and several African nations, while former operators like East Germany and Yugoslavia once maintained substantial stockpiles. Denmark’s donation could have originated from surplus inventories of former Warsaw Pact countries, such as Poland or the Czech Republic, which have previously transferred second-hand 2S1s to Ukraine. This suggests the possibility of Denmark acting as an intermediary for such transactions.

The 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer, developed by the Kharkov Tractor Plant and Plant No. 9, entered Soviet service in 1971 to replace towed howitzers like the M-30 and D-30 in motorized rifle regiments. (Picture source: Russian social media)

The 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer, developed by the Kharkov Tractor Plant and Plant No. 9, entered Soviet service in 1971 to modernize artillery units. It was created to replace towed howitzers like the M-30 and D-30 in motorized rifle regiments. The project began following a 1967 directive from the Central Committee of the CPSU to address shortcomings in Soviet self-propelled artillery compared to NATO systems. The design was based on a modified MT-LB chassis, chosen for its balance of mobility and load capacity after tests with alternative platforms, such as the BMP-1 and Object 124, revealed issues with stability, weight, and amphibious capability. The prototype testing in 1969 identified gas contamination in the crew compartment, which was later mitigated through modifications to the gun’s ejector and sealing systems. Production continued until 1991, with over 10,000 units manufactured, including licensed production in Poland and Bulgaria. It was the first serially produced amphibious tracked self-propelled howitzer, designed for indirect fire, suppression of defensive positions, and clearing minefields or obstacles.

The 2S1 is armed with a 122mm 2A31 rifled howitzer capable of engaging targets up to 15.2 km using standard high-explosive fragmentation shells. The weapon system is compatible with the 122mm D-30 towed howitzer, offering seamless ammunition interchangeability. The howitzer includes advanced projectiles like the Kitolov-2M guided shells, effective against armored vehicles and fortified positions, and other specialized munitions such as illumination, smoke, and cumulative rounds. These enable the 2S1 to operate in diverse combat scenarios, including anti-armor and area suppression roles. The vehicle carries 40 rounds and achieves an initial velocity of up to 690 m/s, while modernized shells extend its maximum range to 21.9 km. Combat experience indicates its effectiveness in providing direct fire support to advancing infantry and destroying static targets, such as during the Afghanistan conflict.

The 2S1 is based on a modified MT-LB chassis, providing it with amphibious capability and good mobility across varied terrains. The YaMZ-238N diesel engine delivers 300 horsepower, enabling a maximum road speed of 60 km/h and an operational range of 500 km. Off-road, it maintains speeds of 26-32 km/h and can cross water obstacles at 4.5 km/h. The torsion bar suspension system and low ground pressure (0.492 kg/cm²) ensure effective operation in diverse conditions. Its armor consists of rolled steel plates, offering bulletproof and fragmentation protection for the crew. While its protection is limited to small arms and light shrapnel, the vehicle's design facilitates rapid repositioning to avoid counter-battery fire, as its armor isn't effective against modern anti-tank weaponry.

Several modifications and derivatives of the 2S1 exist, addressing various operational requirements. Key variants include the 2S1M1, modernized with the 1V168-1 automated fire control system, and the Polish Rak-120, which replaces the 122mm gun with a 120mm mortar with an automatic loader. The Romanian Model 89 and the Iranian Raad-1 adapt the 2S1 chassis for different roles and environments, using indigenous components. Other vehicles based on the 2S1 platform include engineering equipment like the UR-77 mine clearance vehicle, artillery fire control systems, and specialized transporters. The Bulgarian BMP-23 infantry fighting vehicle and the Ukrainian Kevlar-E also derive from the 2S1 chassis, as this vehicle remains in use globally, with modernization efforts extending its operational relevance.