The war in Ukraine has pushed the country’s military to adapt quickly and rely on a mix of Soviet-era and modern Western weapons.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has received extensive support from NATO countries.
This support includes advanced artillery systems, essential in countering Russian forces on the battlefield, according to WP.
Ukraine now fields a variety of artillery, ranging from older Soviet systems using 152mm and 122mm shells to NATO-standard 105mm and 155mm systems.
Among the latest additions are U.S.-made M109 self-propelled howitzers. A recently released video from Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense showcases artillery crews training on these iconic weapons.
A Cold War Weapon
The M109 has a long history. First introduced in 1963, it became the most widely used howitzer in NATO forces during the Cold War.
Over the years, it has been updated into multiple variants, including the modern M109A6 Paladin and M109A7 models still in service with the U.S. military.
Older versions, such as the M109A2, were retired and stored or sold to other countries.
The howitzers seen in the training video are likely the M109A2NL variant, supplied by the Netherlands. These units show signs of long-term storage, with peeling paint and visible wear.
The Netherlands had officially retired its M109 fleet, selling many to countries like Jordan or displaying them in museums. However, a batch of these howitzers was quietly sent to Ukraine as part of Dutch military aid in 2024.
While not as advanced as newer artillery systems, the M109 remains a reliable weapon. It can provide crucial firepower for Ukraine, which needs every available tool to counter Russia’s larger arsenal.
Ukrainian forces have demonstrated their ability to use older equipment effectively when paired with strategic planning.
