HIMARS destroys a rare Russian 2S5 Giatsint-S howitzer along with BM-21 Grad missile system and 2S1 Gvozdika artillery unit

The Ukrainian Defence Forces continue to effectively use the US M142 HIMARS missile system. The system was previously used to destroy ammunition depots, but now it is more often used to eliminate Russian artillery.

Here's What We Know

Recently we wrote about the destruction of four Msta-S self-propelled artillery units by four high-precision GMLRS missiles. This time the Defence Forces eliminated two howitzers and one multiple rocket launcher.

The M142 HIMARS system in the hands of fighters from the 43rd Independent Artillery Brigade destroyed a rather rare 2S5 Giatsint-S 152mm self-propelled howitzer. According to Oryx analysts, the Russians have already lost at least 26 of these systems.

Along with it, a more common howitzer, the 2S1 Gvozdika of 122mm calibre, has been destroyed. The elimination of 47 artillery pieces since 24 February 2022 has been documented. Another dozen or so have been seized by the Ukrainian Defence Forces.

The third HIMARS target was the BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher. The Oryx website states that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have destroyed, damaged or captured 135 BM-21 "Grad" units in 16 months.

Source: Ukrainian Army