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According to the message "bne INTELLINEWS» Ukraine is to receive an undisclosed number of howitzers 2C1 "Carnation" and 2C3 "Acacia", previously deployed by the Iraqi army. These howitzers were sold to a British company before being purchased for Ukraine. According to reports, the vehicles that were spotted in Germany were originally owned by private individuals and were part of units that participated in the Persian Gulf War.
Details
2C1 and 2C3 are standard Soviet-made howitzers currently in service with the Ukrainian military. These self-propelled howitzers combine firepower and mobility, making them a critical component of artillery installations. Introduced in the Soviet era, both models were widely used in various military conflicts and continue to be relevant on modern battlefields.
The 2C1, known as the Carnation, was introduced in the 1970s. It is mounted on a tracked chassis and equipped with a 122-mm howitzer. The 2C1 can fire various types of ammunition, including high-explosive, high-explosive, and armor-piercing, 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 effectively support infantry operations by conducting indirect fire from a considerable distance. The design emphasizes speed and rapid deployability, features that enhance its operational flexibility.
On the other hand, the 2C3, also known as the Acacia, is designed for more firepower and is equipped with a 152mm howitzer. This model can also fire a variety of munitions, including high-explosive rounds capable of causing significant damage to fortifications, light armor, and troop concentrations. It has a higher rate of fire, reaching 2,5-3 shots per minute, and a longer maximum firing range of up to 18,5 km. The robust design of the 2C3 and the larger caliber of the main gun allow it to engage targets at greater distances and with greater destructive power compared to the 2C1.
The strategy of acquiring surplus or obsolete military equipment from allies reflects Ukraine's urgent need to strengthen its defenses against the daily losses of both modern and Soviet artillery units. As the war continues, Ukraine continues to seek additional resources to support its military capabilities and address critical artillery shortages.
