2S9 Nona-S SO-120

120mm self-propelled mortar carrier tracked armored vehicle - Russia

The 2S9 also named Nona-S (Russian name SO-120) is a 120mm self-propelled mortar carrier designed and manufactured in Russia. The first was unveiled for the first time to the public during a military parade in May 1985. The vehicle was used mainly by airborne troops to replace conventional artillery systems and to provide also a light anti-tank vehicle. The 2S9 Nona-S enters into service with the Russian army in 1981. The vehicle was also deployed during the Russian war in Afghanistan. The 2S9 was also used during the war in Chechnya. This mobile artillery mortar system was mounted on the chassis of the BTR-D a longer variant chassis of the BMD-1 infantry airborne armored vehicle. This solution was prompted by the need to drop artillery systems together with the BMD-1. The 2S9 can be dropped via jet parachute systems, with the crew inside. The SO-120 (2S9) takes 30 seconds to come into action and a similar time to come out of action. The 2S9 can be also air transported by military transport aircraft.

2S9 Nona variants:

- BMP-1 with 2S9 turret:  Ukraine has developed a hybrid version of the 2S9 based on a BMP-1 tracked chassis IFV fitted with the two-man turret of the original 2S9. 
- 2S9-1 Sviristelka: Version for naval infantry units. Its ammunition load was increased from 25 to 40 rounds. Production commenced in 1988.
- 2S9-1M Nona-SM:  An upgraded version of the airborne 2S9 Nona-S, fitted with a new fire control system, and satellite navigation system. Its production commenced in 2007. Previous 2S9 Nona-S systems are being upgraded to the 2S9-1M Nona-SM standard. Also the 2S9-1 Sviristelka systems and being refitted with similar fire control systems.