Russian Troops Hail 2S9-1M Self-propelled Mortar as ‘Sniper Rifle Among Artillery’ in Ukraine Conflict.

In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian forces have praised the performance of the latest generation of the 120mm airborne self-propelled mortar vehicle 2S9-1M, referring to it as "a sniper rifle among artillery" due to its precision and adaptability on the battlefield. The vehicle has gained significant attention for its ability to accurately hit targets with 120mm caliber shells, including NATO-standard ammunition, which has become more available as a result of the conflict's dynamics.
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The 2S9-1M represents a significant upgrade of the original Soviet-era 2S9 Nona-S 120mm self-propelled mortar vehicle, featuring advanced fire control systems and satellite navigation. This modernization enhances its precision, mobility, and adaptability on the battlefield. (Picture source: Hobby-models.ru)

The 2S9 Nona-S, the predecessor of the 2S9-1M, is a Soviet-era airborne self-propelled mortar introduced in the 1980s. It is mounted on a BTR-D armored chassis, making it highly mobile, amphibious, and capable of operating in challenging terrain. Its main armament is a 120mm 2A51 smoothbore mortar cannon, which can fire a variety of ammunition types, including high-explosive fragmentation, smoke, and incendiary shells. One of its key advantages is the ability to function both as a mortar and an artillery gun, giving it versatility in delivering indirect fire at high angles or direct fire in combat situations. It can reach targets up to 9 kilometers away with standard ammunition and can deliver rapid, sustained fire support in battlefield conditions.

The 2S9-1M is a modernized version of the Soviet-era 2S9 Nona-S, originally introduced in the 1980s, with the production of the 2S9-1M variant starting in 2007. This updated version is equipped with a new fire control system and satellite navigation, significantly enhancing its combat capabilities. Russian soldiers have noted that the vehicle can deliver two shells in rapid succession, which enables concentrated fire on critical targets with precision. This ability has been particularly valuable in scenarios where precise artillery support is required to neutralize enemy positions while minimizing collateral damage.

One of the key features of the 2S9-1M is its versatility in firing various types of 120mm shells, including high-explosive fragmentation rounds, smoke rounds, and NATO-standard munitions. This capability has become a strategic advantage for Russian forces, as they often capture or intercept NATO ammunition, allowing them to utilize a broader range of shells on the battlefield.

Russian troops have compared the 2S9-1M to a "sniper rifle" due to its accuracy and ability to hit targets with precision at long ranges. The advanced fire-control systems, combined with its satellite navigation, allow crews to quickly identify and engage targets. Its dual-shot capability, where two shells can be fired in rapid succession, provides a unique tactical edge, particularly in time-sensitive situations requiring the quick suppression of enemy positions. "The 2S9-1M shoots like a sniper rifle but with the power of artillery. It hits the target accurately, with two shells at once, which is invaluable in urban warfare," one soldier from the frontlines reported.

The 2S9-1M also plays a central role in Russia’s broader modernization efforts for its airborne artillery units. Older versions of the 2S9 Nona-S are being upgraded to the 2S9-1M Nona-SM standard, with the same fire control and satellite navigation systems as the newer models. Similarly, the 2S9-1 Sviristelka systems, another variant of self-propelled mortars, are being refitted with similar fire control systems, ensuring that even older artillery platforms maintain operational relevance on the modern battlefield.

In Ukraine, the 2S9-1M has been deployed in various regions, where it has proven effective in both conventional warfare and more mobile, asymmetric tactics. Russian airborne and special forces units, which rely on lightweight, highly mobile equipment, have utilized the 2S9-1M to provide rapid-response artillery support in difficult terrains. Urban combat, a significant aspect of the conflict, has seen the vehicle’s precision strike capability become vital in suppressing Ukrainian defensive positions. Its amphibious capabilities further make it well-suited for operations in marshy or riverine areas, providing a crucial advantage in environments where heavier artillery systems might struggle to maneuver.

The successful deployment of the 2S9-1M in Ukraine demonstrates Russia’s focus on modernizing its artillery systems to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare. The ability to use captured NATO munitions extends the operational effectiveness of these systems, giving Russian forces greater flexibility in logistics. Western analysts are closely monitoring the performance of the 2S9-1M, as it may offer insights into how future artillery systems could be designed for precision strikes in both urban and hybrid warfare scenarios. Despite its effectiveness, questions remain regarding its long-term sustainability and vulnerability to counter-battery fire, especially as Ukrainian forces continue to receive advanced Western counter-artillery systems.

In summary, the 2S9-1M airborne self-propelled mortar has earned a strong reputation among Russian troops for its accuracy, versatility, and adaptability in using various types of munitions, including NATO-standard shells. As a key asset in Russia’s ongoing military operations in Ukraine, it provides precise and adaptable fire support in a rapidly changing conflict landscape. Meanwhile, Russia's efforts to modernize older 2S9 Nona-S systems and upgrade 2S9-1 Sviristelka variants ensure that these artillery platforms remain competitive in the face of contemporary combat challenges.