Self-Propelled Howitzer
2S1 Gvozdika
The 2S1 Gvozdika is a Soviet 122 mm tracked self-propelled howitzer developed at the Kharkiv Tractor Plant, in service since 1971. More than 10,000 were built, and both Russia and Ukraine use it in the war in Ukraine.
Russia|Kharkiv Tractor PlantOverview
The 2S1 Gvozdika (“carnation”) was developed by the Kharkiv Tractor Plant, with a first prototype in 1969 and Soviet Army service from 1971. It sits on the MT-LB chassis, is amphibious and swims at about 4.5 km/h. The crew is four, and combat weight is about 15.7 t. Its 2A31 122 mm L/36 howitzer reaches 15.3 km with conventional ammunition and 21.9 km with rocket-assisted rounds, at 5–8 rounds a minute. Production exceeded 10,000 units, making it one of the most produced self-propelled howitzers of the 20th century.
Operators have included Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Bulgaria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Libya, Algeria, Yemen, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia; about 50 countries have used it. It has been used in the Soviet-Afghan War, the Iran-Iraq War, the 1991 Gulf War, Syria, Yemen, Libya and the Russia-Ukraine war, where both sides use it extensively. Poland, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria donated some to Ukraine. In Russian service the 2S19 Msta-S and 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV replace it.
Key Specifications
Variants
The 2S1 is the original Soviet 122 mm self-propelled howitzer on the MT-LB chassis.
The 2S1M is the modernised version with improved systems.
The 2S1 Gvozdika-M is the upgraded variant of the Gvozdika family.
Operators
Russia
Ukraine
Belarus
Bulgaria
Poland
Czechia
Slovakia
Romania
Egypt
Syria
Iraq
Libya
Algeria
Yemen
Kazakhstan
Uzbekistan
Georgia
Azerbaijan
ArmeniaFrequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the 2S1 Gvozdika?
The 2S1 Gvozdika has a range of 15.3 km with conventional ammunition and 21.9 km with rocket-assisted rounds. Its rate of fire is 5–8 rounds per minute.
Which countries use the 2S1 Gvozdika?
The 2S1 Gvozdika is used or has been used by Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Bulgaria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Libya, Algeria, Yemen and other states. About 50 countries have operated it.
How many 2S1 Gvozdika were built?
More than 10,000 2S1 Gvozdika howitzers were built in the USSR, at Kharkiv and Volgograd. It is one of the most widely produced self-propelled howitzers of the 20th century.
2S1 vs M109: what is the difference?
The 2S1 Gvozdika is a lighter 122 mm amphibious howitzer of 15.7 t, while the M109 Paladin is a 155 mm system with longer range. Both are tracked self-propelled howitzers, and the M109 is heavier and more powerful.
Is the 2S1 Gvozdika used in Ukraine?
Yes. Both Russia and Ukraine use the 2S1 Gvozdika extensively in the Russia-Ukraine war, and Poland, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria donated some to Ukraine.
Why is it called Gvozdika?
The 2S1 is called Gvozdika because the Russian word means “carnation”. It was the Soviet Army’s naming for the 122 mm howitzer. It is built on the MT-LB chassis and is one of the most widely produced self-propelled howitzers.