“By delivering the pickup trucks, the organization intends to promote the implementation of “mobile fire groups” after equipping them with trained operators and French-made MANPADS. This will give the Ukrainians yet another weapon in their ever-increasing arsenal to limit any aerial threats posed by the Russian invaders.”
But with the M109A3GN, they are able to improve their air-missile operation. Since the delivery, the M109A3GN has been used to train forces and attack Russian lines. M109A3GNs are armed with 39 caliber barrels that can fire NATO 155 mm ammunition with “high-explosive, illuminating, and smoke with a maximum firing range of 24,700m,” according to reports. The Ukrainian forces are also continually training with the Norwegian and US armies to improve the troop’s skills around navigating the M109A3GN.
Watch the Ukrainian Ground Forces training with the M109A3GN:
Cons of the M109A3GN
Though the M109A3GNs have been a great addition to the frontline, it’s not always as agile (as the Italian trucks above). At the same time, because they’re not necessarily stealthy and they can only speed up to 35 mph, they can be susceptible to air attacks. So, even though Ukrainians received a couple of these from Norway, few have been attacked by the Russian cluster munition fire.
Then, here’s the latest video of the M109A3GN being targeted by the Russian army in the Nikolaev region.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXgOIhp_Og8
Have you driven an M109 howitzer before? Share your experiences in the comments below.
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