Ukrainian forces have destroyed russian 2S7 Pion self-propelled heavy artillery system that had been operating deep behind the front line, according to footage released by the Ukrainian Kursk Military Grouping. The strike eliminated one of russia's most powerful long-range artillery assets after it was tracked by Ukrainian reconnaissance.
The russian crew had positioned the 2S7 Pion system far from the line of contact in an attempt to protect the valuable system from Ukrainian attacks. Despite the distance, the artillery piece was reportedly conducting regular strikes against the city of Sumy and nearby border communities in northeastern Ukraine.
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According to Ukrainian officials, the system was firing from a position approximately 48 kilometers away. Detecting such a well-concealed target required coordinated aerial reconnaissance, with drone operators locating the hidden firing position and relaying its precise coordinates.
Once the target was confirmed, Ukrainian forces carried out a series of precision strikes. The released footage shows accurate impacts on the position, with the military reporting that the system was completely destroyed.
The 2S7 Pion is one of the heaviest self-propelled artillery systems in eussia's arsenal. Armed with a massive 203 mm gun, it fires shells weighing around 110 kilograms and is designed to engage targets at long ranges, making it particularly dangerous against fortified positions and urban areas.
Because of its destructive firepower, the Pion has frequently been used to strike settlements located far from the immediate front line. Ukrainian forces said the destroyed system had recently been involved in shelling Sumy and surrounding border communities.
The system is also considered a high-value military asset. Each 2S7 Pion system is estimated to be worth more than $1 million, and replacing such equipment is increasingly difficult as russia continues to lose heavy artillery systems during the war.
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