Ukrainian military forces have recently released a video showcasing their troops using self-propelled 2S1 Gvozdika howitzers to strike Russian positions.
Howitzers in Action
The video, shared on social media, has drawn attention not only for the precision of the attacks but also for the mysterious camouflage of the weaponry, suggesting possible foreign origins, according to Tech.
Ukraine has been locked in an intense conflict with Russia for the past two and a half years, valiantly defending its sovereignty.
The international community has played a crucial role in supporting Ukraine, especially through the supply of weapons and military aid, though such assistance is often delivered quietly due to the sensitive nature of the conflict.
A recent report by Defence Express mentions a video showing soldiers from the 67th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces using the 122mm self-propelled 2S1 Gvozdika howitzers.
Unique Camouflage
Notably, the unique camouflage seen on these howitzers has sparked speculation about their origins, with some experts suggesting they may have been supplied by Finland.
According to the Finnish publication Suomen Sotilas, the howitzers could have come from Finland’s military reserves, although the Finnish government has not officially confirmed any such transfer.
The 2S1 Gvozdika howitzer, with its rich history and versatility, remains a vital asset in many military arsenals, including those of both Ukraine and Russia.
Developed in the Soviet Union during the 1960s and produced from 1971 to 1994, the Gvozdika is mounted on an MT-LB armored vehicle chassis. It is equipped with a 122mm gun capable of firing shells up to 15 kilometers, or even 23 kilometers with specialized ammunition.
In the early 1990s, Finland acquired several 2S1 Gvozdika howitzers from the former East Germany’s military stockpile. While Finland had around 36 of these howitzers at the beginning of 2023, it remains unclear how many have been supplied to Ukraine in support of its ongoing fight against Russian aggression.
You can watch the video here
