Self-Propelled Howitzer
2S3 Akatsiya
The 2S3 Akatsiya is a Soviet 152 mm self-propelled howitzer built by Uraltransmash, in service since 1971. It has a crew of four, weighs 27.5 t and is still used by both sides in the war in Ukraine.
Russia|UraltransmashOverview
The 2S3 Akatsiya (“acacia”) had a prototype in 1968 and entered service in 1971, with production continuing until the 1990s. Its 2A33 152 mm howitzer fires about four rounds a minute and reaches 17.3 km with conventional ammunition and 24.3 km with rocket-assisted rounds. The hull follows a T-62-style layout, with NBC protection, and the vehicle weighs 27.5 t with a crew of four. Historically it could fire nuclear-capable rounds (reported). Variants include the 2S3M and 2S3M1. It was replaced in Russian service by the 2S19 Msta-S and 2S35 Koalitsiya.
The 2S3 has seen combat in the Soviet-Afghan War, the Gulf War, the Syrian Civil War, the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war, where both sides use it and Ukraine uses upgraded rounds. Users include Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bulgaria, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Yemen, Angola and Ethiopia. Rivals include the M109, FH-70, G6 and AS-90. The 2S3 is often compared with the M109, the 2S19 Msta-S and the AS-90. Figures are commonly cited estimates and vary by source.
Key Specifications
Variants
The 2S3 is the original 152 mm self-propelled howitzer introduced in 1971.
The 2S3M is the modernised version with improved systems.
The 2S3M1 is a further upgraded version of the Akatsiya family.
Operators
Russia
Ukraine
Belarus
Kazakhstan
Uzbekistan
Georgia
Azerbaijan
Armenia
Bulgaria
Iraq
Syria
Libya
Yemen
Angola
EthiopiaFrequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the 2S3 Akatsiya?
The 2S3 Akatsiya has a range of 17.3 km with conventional ammunition and 24.3 km with rocket-assisted rounds. Its rate of fire is about four rounds per minute.
Which countries use the 2S3 Akatsiya?
The 2S3 Akatsiya is used by Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bulgaria, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Yemen, Angola and Ethiopia. Many of these states inherited their vehicles from the Soviet Union.
2S3 vs M109: which is better?
The 2S3 Akatsiya has a 152 mm gun and weighs 27.5 t, while the M109 is a 155 mm system. The M109 uses NATO-standard ammunition, and the 2S3 is an older Soviet design with longer-serving crews.
2S3 Akatsiya vs 2S19 Msta-S: what is the difference?
The 2S3 Akatsiya is an older 1971 design with a range of 17.3 km conventionally, while the 2S19 Msta-S is the newer Russian replacement. Msta-S has greater range and a more modern fire-control system.
Is the 2S3 Akatsiya used in Ukraine?
Yes. Both Russia and Ukraine use the 2S3 Akatsiya in the war, and Ukraine uses it with upgraded rounds. It also saw use in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and in Syria.
What does 2S3 Akatsiya mean?
The 2S3 Akatsiya is named after the Russian word for “acacia”. The 2S3 designation is its Soviet GRAU index. It carries a 152 mm gun and has a crew of four.