2S1 Gvozdika

The 2S1 Gvozdika is a Soviet-designed 122mm self-propelled howitzer, developed to provide direct and indirect fire support to motorized rifle and tank regiments. It is built on a modified MT-LB multi-purpose tracked chassis, offering amphibious capabilities and good cross-country mobility.

Developed in the late 1960s to match the rapid mechanization of Western armored forces, the 2S1 Gvozdika officially entered Soviet service in 1971. It first saw major combat during the Soviet-Afghan War, where its mobility in rugged terrain proved highly effective, and it was later deployed in the Gulf War, the Chechen Wars, and various African conflicts. Today, the Gvozdika remains in active service with dozens of nations worldwide and is seeing extensive use by both sides in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War. While being gradually modernized or replaced by newer systems like the 2S34 Chosta, it remains one of the most widely produced self-propelled artillery pieces in history.