Serbia modernizes its fleet of 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers

15 October, 2023 Modernized Serbian 2S1 Gvozdika. Photo by Srdan Popovic The Serbian Army introduced an upgraded 2S1 Gvozdika 122mm self-propelled howitzer.

It is reported by the Defence24. The Serbian army currently has 72 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers consisting of four artillery battalions, 18 units each. Another dozen ACS are in stow position.

So far only one unit has received these modernized self-propelled howitzers. Next year, improved Gvozdikas will enter into the service of one more unit. Finally, it is planned to modernize all the Gvozdikas in service with the Serbian army.

Modernized Serbian 2S1 Gvozdika.

Photo by Srdan Popovic

The updated 2S1 Gvozdika received a new fire control system and an inertial navigation system, which significantly increased the accuracy of the fire. The changes made allow the crew to take a shot 20 seconds after the overrunning a position and leave the position for the next 20 seconds. The Gvozdikas also are able to fire in multiple round simultaneous impact (MRSI) mode.

The comfort and safety of the crew was enhanced by the installation of an air conditioning, heating and fire extinguishing system on the vehicle.

Serbian 2S1 Gvozdika. Photo from open sources

Another innovation was the Zastava M84 7.62mm machine gun for self-defense. In addition, the ammunition of the self-propelled guns was replenished with new ammunition with a longer firing range of up to 22 kilometers.

Recently, Militarnyi reported that the Serbian industrial company Yugoimport SDPR showed an updated version of the Aleksandar 155mm self-propelled artillery system.