Russia Enhances Military Presence Along Finland & Norway Borders with 2S35 Howitzers Deployment.

In a significant move signaling its intent to strengthen military capabilities along its western borders, Russia has announced plans to increase its military presence in the Northern Military District, an area bordering Finland and Norway. The reinforcement includes the deployment of the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV, a new generation of advanced self-propelled tracked howitzers.
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The 2S35 is the latest generation of Russian-made self-propelled howitzers. (Picture source Vitaly Kuzmin)

Sergei Chemezov, the head of the Russian State Defense Company ROSTEC, confirmed the completion of testing for the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled artillery units. In an interview with the state-run RIA news agency, Chemezov revealed that mass production of these howitzers has already commenced, with the first operational units expected to be delivered by the end of 2023.

This strategic move comes after a significant shift in 2021 when Russian President Vladimir Putin reclassified the Russian Northern Fleet's status to that of the Northern Military District. This change incorporated the Murmansk region into the district, a region that shares borders with both Finland and Norway.

The decision to augment the Northern Military District's capabilities follows a period of heightened tension in the region. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow has consistently accused Western countries of engaging in a proxy war against it. Following Finland's accession to the U.S.-led NATO alliance, Moscow has warned of increasing its military forces along its western borders as a countermeasure.

Further underlining the operational readiness of the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV, the Army Recognition editorial team reported on December 21, 2023, that these howitzers had already been deployed to the frontline in Ukraine. This deployment marks a significant step in Russia's ongoing military operations and its broader strategy in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics.

The 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV is an advanced Russian self-propelled howitzer that represents a significant leap in artillery technology for the Russian military. Designed to replace older artillery systems like the 2S19 Msta, the 2S35 is based on a tracked vehicle chassis and is equipped with a 152mm cannon. This artillery system was first publicly revealed during the 2015 Victory Day Parade in Moscow, showcasing its modern design and capabilities. The 2S35 is developed to provide high firepower and precision, and its development aligns with Russia's broader modernization efforts for its armed forces.

A standout feature of the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV is its automated loading system and the ability to fire a variety of ammunition types, including standard high-explosive fragmentation shells, jamming, illumination, and smart rounds capable of changing trajectory mid-flight. This howitzer is capable of a high rate of fire, reportedly up to 16 rounds per minute, which is significantly higher than traditional howitzers. It also boasts a longer firing range, with the ability to strike targets up to 70 kilometers away using precision-guided munitions. These features, combined with its advanced fire control system and automation, make the 2S35 a formidable asset on the battlefield, enhancing Russia's artillery capabilities significantly.

Defense News December 2023