While the transfer of these howitzers has not been officially confirmed by either Ukraine or Finland, evidence of their presence in Ukraine emerged through social media posts. The videos showed the 2S1s, identifiable not only by their camouflage but also by unique features such as a heat shield-equipped exhaust and a velocity sensor on the barrel.
Finland originally received approximately 74 of these Gvozdikas from the former German Democratic Republic, with some units undergoing local modernisation. However, the exact number of howitzers transferred to Ukraine remains unclear.
This development is part of a broader trend of international military support to Ukraine as it continues to defend its territory. The addition of these self-propelled artillery systems could bolster Ukraine’s artillery capabilities, although further details on their operational status and impact are yet to be disclosed.
