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Russia Strengthens Artillery Power with New 2S42 Lotos 120mm Airborne Self-Propelled System.
On December 13, 2024, a video showcasing the 2S42 "Lotos" 120mm Airborne self-propelled artillery system during International Military Journalists' Day was released on Telegram. The footage featured a public presentation organized by Kalashnikov, where the system demonstrated its advanced capabilities. Widely shared online, the event highlighted the Lotos’s operational performance, maneuverability, and innovative features. Developed by TsNIITochMash (Central Research Institute for Precision Engineering), the Lotos is designed to replace the aging 2S9 "Nona" artillery system, which has been in service since 1981. Specifically engineered for the Russian Airborne Forces, this modern system integrates mobility, firepower, and protection, establishing itself as a next-generation battlefield asset.
Russian New 2S42 "Lotos" 120mm Airborne Self-Propelled Artillery System (Picture source: Army Recognition)
Weighing 18 tons, the 2S42 Lotos is built on the chassis of the BMD-4M airborne infantry fighting vehicle and is equipped with a 120mm breech-loaded mortar capable of direct and indirect fire. With a maximum range of 13 km and a firing rate of 6 to 8 rounds per minute, it provides extensive battlefield coverage. The system features a 360° turret rotation for rapid target acquisition without repositioning, an automatic loading system with a capacity of 40 rounds, and compatibility with advanced ammunition, including rifled rounds and 120mm mortar shells. Its ability to function as both a mortar and howitzer greatly enhances its operational versatility.
Among its technological advancements, the Lotos includes an automated guidance system for faster and more accurate alignment, a mechanized ammunition storage system that simplifies reloading, and reinforced armor for improved crew protection. The vehicle's hydropneumatic suspension ensures stability and precision across varied terrains, while its 450-horsepower diesel engine enables a top speed of 70 km/h and an operational range of 500 km. Additionally, its amphibious capabilities and compatibility with air transport and airdrop operations via the Ilyushin Il-76 military transport aircraft emphasize its strategic mobility.
Following extensive trials, including land, water, and airdrop testing, the Lotos was modified to resolve identified issues, particularly in its electronics and shell-loading systems. Lessons from the conflict in Ukraine also influenced these updates. With its imminent entry into service, the 2S42 Lotos represents a major technological advancement for Russian artillery, meeting the demands of modern warfare and enhancing the efficiency of rapid-response units.
The development of the 2S42 Lotos stems from the necessary modernization of self-propelled artillery systems for the Russian Airborne Forces, aimed at replacing the aging 2S9 Nona, in service since 1981. Designed by TsNIITochMash, the project began in 2016 to meet modern requirements for mobility, firepower, and protection. The first prototype was finalized in 2018 and publicly unveiled in 2019 during a defense exhibition near Moscow. Preliminary trials, conducted between October 2020 and March 2022, identified and resolved issues with its electronics, loading system, and chassis. These adjustments, influenced by operational experiences from the war in Ukraine, enabled the completion of preliminary tests in August 2022, paving the way for final trials and its integration into the Russian armed forces.
The 2S42 Lotos offers significant advancements over its predecessor, the 2S9 Nona, integrating modern technologies tailored to current conflict requirements, as evidenced by the war in Ukraine. Firstly, it boasts an increased firing range of 13 km, significantly surpassing the Nona, and features an automated loading system capable of carrying up to 40 rounds, nearly doubling its predecessor’s capacity. The Lotos also includes an automated guidance system that enhances targeting precision and speed, crucial in high-intensity combat scenarios.
In light of lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, where kamikaze and reconnaissance drones have transformed the battlefield, the Lotos has been equipped with anti-drone protection systems. These include a remotely operated weapon station armed with a 7.62mm machine gun and smoke grenade launchers, capable of neutralizing low-altitude aerial threats. Furthermore, its reinforced armor shields the crew from shell fragments and small arms fire, addressing the demands of modern combat often conducted in fire-saturated environments.
The vehicle is also supported by a hydropneumatic suspension system that ensures stability during on-the-move firing, even on rough terrain—a crucial advantage for airborne and mobile forces. With these enhancements, the 2S42 Lotos combines strategic mobility, optimized firepower, and increased defense, making it particularly well-suited to confront new forms of warfare revealed by recent conflicts.