2S9 Nona

2S9 Nona
2S9 Nona-S 120 mm self-propelled mortar, 2016
Type air-droppable self-propelled mortar
Place of origin Soviet Union
Service history
In service 1981–present
Used by see Operators
Wars Soviet-Afghan War
Russo-Georgian War
Syrian Civil War
Russo-Ukrainian War
Production history
Designer TSNIITOCHMASH
Designed 1974–1980
Manufacturer Motovilikha Plants
Produced 1979–1989
Specifications
Mass 8.7 tonnes
Length 6.02 m
Barrel length approx. 1.8 m or 2.88 m
Width 2.63 m
Height 2.3 m
Crew 4
Caliber 120 mm
Elevation -4 to +80 degrees
Traverse 70 degrees
Rate of fire 10 rpm, max;
4 rpm, sustained
Effective firing range 8.8 km (conventional);
12.8 km (extended)
Armor 15 mm max
Main
armament
 120 mm 2A60 mortar
Engine 5D20 Diesel
240 hp
Power/weight 27.1 hp/tonne
Payload capacity 40-60 rounds
Suspension torsion
Ground clearance 450 mm
Fuel capacity 400 liters
Operational
range
 500 km
Maximum speed 60 km/h (road);
9 km/h (water)

The 2S9 NONA (Russian: Новейшее Орудие Наземной Артилерии, lit. 'Newest Ordnance of Ground Artillery') is a self-propelled and air-droppable 120 mm mortar designed in the Soviet Union, which entered service in 1981. The 2S9 chassis is designated the S-120 and based on the aluminium hull of the BTR-D airborne multi-purpose tracked armoured personnel carrier. More generally, the 120 mm mortar is referred to as the Nona, with the 2S9 also known as the Nona-S. Although no figures have been released, it is estimated that well over 1,000 2S9 were built.

Description

2S9 Nona-S of the 106th Guards Airborne Division in firing position during field exercises, 2018

The 2S9 Nona-S is an amphibious vehicle that can be propelled through the water by two rear water-jets. It is operated by a four-man crew comprising a commander, a driver/mechanic, a gunner, and a loader. The hull interior is separated into a command compartment, a fighting compartment and an engine compartment. A welded steel turret is located at the middle of the hull. The two-man turret has hatches for the gunner and loader respectively.

The 2S9 utilizes a 120 mm 2A51 mortar with a 1.8-meter-long barrel. The weapon is actually a hybrid of a mortar and howitzer, being an unconventional design that lacks a direct NATO counterpart. It is a rifled, breech-loaded weapon capable of firing HE (high explosive), white phosphorus and smoke rounds, as well as laser-guided munitions like KM-8 Gran. It can engage in indirect and direct fire, as well as targeting armoured vehicles; its armour-piercing rounds can penetrate the equivalent of 600-650 mm of steel plate at up to a kilometre.

Operational history

They have been deployed by Russia during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. In July 2022, video on social media purported to show Ukrainian forces using M777 to destroy a towed 2B16 Nona-K in Hoptivka on the border to Russia. In August 2022, Ukraine's armed forces claimed to use four captured Russian 2S9 against Russian forces. In November 2022, a 2S23-SVK Nona was photographed in Ukrainian service. It was reportedly captured from Russian forces in March and took months to refit.

Variants

Variants of the 120 mm Nona mortar:

  • 2S23 Nona-SVK – BTR-80-based chassis mounting a 2A60 mortar, a variant of the 2A50.
  • 2B16 Nona-K – A towed version. Fitted with a muzzle brake.
  • 2S31 Vena – Is a similar concept based on the BMP-3 chassis. Longer barrel for increased range.
  • 2S17-2 Nona-SV – A BRM-1K with a 2S9 Nona turret, in use by the Ukrainian Ground Forces.

Operators

Current operators

2S9 Nona-S of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 2018

Former operators