In a major blow to Russia’s military capabilities, Ukraine employed HIMARS artillery to target the world’s largest self-propelled mortar system. A video shared by Ukrainian war correspondent Yuriy Butusov on June 15 captured the moment when a Ukrainian reconnaissance drone identified the Russian 2S4 Tyulpan in the fields. Ukrainian forces then initiated a precise attack on the target, resulting in a substantial explosion and a rising column of smoke. The video showed several members of the operations team laying motionless nearby, suggesting they were either deceased or severely injured.
The 2S4 Tyulpan self-propelled mortar system is renowned for its destructive power, capable of demolishing fortified structures and operating effectively in urban warfare situations. With a caliber of 240 mm and a combat weight of 27.5 tons, the 2S4 Tyulpan possesses a range of 9.5 km with conventional ammunition and 19.5 km with rocket-propelled projectiles. Despite its strengths, such as the ability to fire at high angles and deliver lethal payloads, the system faces challenges related to mobility and adaptability due to its size and operational limitations. Each 2S4 Tyulpan system reportedly costs around $1.7 million.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in significant damage to both countries’ military capabilities, with information analysis site MilitarnyiOryx revealing that Russia has lost over 50 complexes since it began, either through destruction or significant damage. Ukraine has leveraged HIMARS artillery in previous military operations, using these weapons to target and eliminate Russian air defense missile launchers suspected to be S-400 systems over 30 km away from the Ukrainian border. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not commented on these incidents.
In conclusion, Ukraine’s successful use of HIMARS artillery against Russia’s self-propelled mortar system highlights the importance of having modern weaponry in times of conflict. It also serves as a reminder that even large investments cannot guarantee success if there are operational limitations or weaknesses that can be exploited by an opponent.
Ukraine’s employment of HIMARS artillery against Russia’s largest self-propelled mortar system was an excellent move that had potential to change the course of warfare between Russia and Ukraine.
The footage captured by Yuriy Butusov showed how quickly Ukrainian forces were able to locate their target using drones before initiating their attack on Russia’s self-propelled mortar system using HIMARS rocket artillery located near Bilogorivka village in Lugansk province.
The video footage also highlighted how much damage this one rocket could cause considering its size and weight.
Russia has lost over 50 complexes since it began due to destruction or significant damage which shows how vulnerable their equipment is.
In contrast, Ukraine has been able to leverage this weaponry effectively in previous military operations like targeting S-400 systems over thirty kilometers away from their border.
Overall, this event serves as an excellent reminder that no matter how much money is invested in equipment or weapons; they may not always work out as expected if there are operational limitations or weaknesses that can be exploited by an opponent.