Ukraine Receives Ex-Iraqi 2S1 and 2S3 Soviet-Made Howitzers From British Private Company.

According to a report by "bne INTELLINEWS" dated April 27, 2024, Ukraine is set to receive an undisclosed number of 2S1 "Gvozdika" and 2S3 "Akatsya" howitzers, previously deployed by the Iraqi army, as part of its efforts to replenish lost artillery in the ongoing conflict. These howitzers were sold to a British company before being acquired for Ukraine. Reports suggest that the vehicles, which had been spotted in Germany, were originally owned by private entities and include units that were active during the Gulf War.
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Former privately-owned 2S1 'Gvozdika' and 2S3 'Akatsya' howitzers, previously used by the Iraqi army during the Gulf War, recently purchased for Ukraine and spotted in Germany. (Picture source X Account B-AREV)

This transaction underscores a growing trend where Ukraine is sourcing military equipment from international partners and private entities. In May 2023, Nick Mead, a British businessman known for his military gear specialization, facilitated the transfer of 100 reconnaissance armored vehicles to Ukraine. His company, Tanks a Lot, provides experiences with vintage military vehicles and is based in Northamptonshire.

Further support comes from the Serhiy Prytula Foundation, which, in response to attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in November 2022, managed to gather UAH 236 million within a day and a half. These funds were used to purchase 101 vehicles, with former president Petro Poroshenko financing half of the acquisition himself.

The Belgian company OIP has also contributed by selling refurbished and upgraded former Belgian army armored vehicles, including M113 Armored Personnel Carriers, M109A4 155mm howitzers, and Leopard 1A5 tanks.

The 2S1 and 2S3 are standard Soviet-made howitzers currently in service with the Ukrainian military. These self-propelled howitzers combine firepower with mobility, making them a critical component of artillery units. Introduced during the Soviet era, both models have seen extensive use across various conflicts and continue to be relevant on modern battlefields.

The 2S1, known as the Gvozdika, was introduced in the 1970s. It is mounted on a tracked chassis and equipped with a 122mm howitzer. The 2S1 can fire a variety of ammunition types, including high-explosive, fragmentation, and armor-piercing rounds, at a rate of up to 4-5 rounds per minute. It has a maximum firing range of approximately 15.3 km, which allows it to support infantry operations effectively by delivering indirect fire from a considerable distance. The design emphasizes speed and the ability to deploy quickly, characteristics that enhance its operational flexibility.

On the other hand, the 2S3, also referred to as the Akatsiya, is designed to offer heavier firepower and is equipped with a 152mm howitzer. This model can also fire a range of ammunition, including high-explosive rounds capable of causing significant damage to fortifications, light armored vehicles, and troop concentrations. It features a higher rate of fire, achieving up to 2.5-3 rounds per minute, and a longer maximum range of up to 18.5 km. The 2S3's robust construction and the higher caliber of its main gun enable it to engage targets at longer ranges and with more destructive force compared to the 2S1.

The strategy of acquiring surplus or outdated military equipment from allies reflects the urgent need for Kyiv to bolster its defenses against daily losses of both modern and Soviet-era artillery units. As the conflict persists, Ukraine continues to seek additional resources to maintain its military capabilities and address the critical shortage of artillery weapons.

Defense News April 2024