2S1 Gvozdika vs SPG-9: Specs Compared

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AArtillery

2S1 Gvozdika

Soviet self-propelled howitzer introduced in 1972 and is in service in Russia and other countries as of 2026

Credit

Andrew Bossi · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Resized · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Source ↗ · Modified

BArtillery

SPG-9

Recoilless gun Anti-tank gun

Credit

Polanksy kolbe · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source ↗ · Modified

First system

Second system

At a glance

Side by side

Length comparisonOne shared metre scale

2S1 GvozdikaLength

7.26 m

Length source ↗

SPG-9Length

2.11 m

Length source ↗

Lengths retain their source configuration and measurement scope.

2S1 Gvozdikalarger figure on 4 of 4

Length+244%
Height+241%
Mass+33584%
Muzzle velocity+99%

SPG-9larger figure on 0 of 4

None

Counts only measures both sources give with the same scope. A larger figure is not a better system.

Measured figures

Head to head

33 of 96 rows sourced on both sides

7.26m

2.11m

Length+244%

All recorded figures & sources

7.26 m

Length

Single source

7.26 m (23 ft 10 in)^[source]

2.11 m

Length

Single source

Configuration

Details

2S1 Gvozdika and SPG-9 configuration
Specification	2S1 Gvozdika	SPG-9
Type	Self-propelled artillery^[source]	Recoilless gun Anti-tank gun^[source]
Place of origin	Soviet Union^[source]	Soviet Union^[source]
In service	1972–present^[source]	1962–present^[source]
Used by	see Operators^[source]	—
Wars

Designer	Kharkiv Tractor Plant^[source]	—

Designed	1956–1961^[source]	—

Produced	1971–1991^[source]	—

No. built	10,000+^[source]	—

Variants	see Variants^[source]	—

Shell	122 x 447mm .R separate loading, cased charge^[source]	—

Breech	Vertical sliding-wedge , semi-automatic^[source]	Interrupted screw^[source]

Elevation	-3 to +70 degrees^[source]	+7°/−3°^[source]

Traverse	360 degrees^[source]	30° total^[source]

Armor	7–20 mm (0.28–0.79 in)^[source]	—

Main armament	2A18 122 mm (4.8 in) howitzer^[source]	—

Suspension	torsion bar^[source]	—

Former operator · Czech Republic	Czech Republic^[source]	—

Former operator · Czechoslovakia	Czechoslovakia^[source]	—

Former operator · East Germany	East Germany^[source]	—

Former operator · Hungary	Hungary^[source]	—

Former operator · Iraq	Iraq^[source]	—

Former operator · Islamic State	Islamic State^[source]	—

Former operator · Libya	Libya^[source]	—

Former operator · Republika Srpska	Republika Srpska^[source]	—

Former operator · Slovakia	Slovakia^[source]	—

Former operator · Slovenia	Slovenia^[source]	—

Former operator · Soviet Union	Soviet Union^[source]	—

Former operator · Yugoslavia	Yugoslavia^[source]	—

Role	Soviet self-propelled howitzer introduced in 1972 and is in service in Russia and other countries as of 2026^[source]	tripod-mounted man-portable, 73mm caliber recoilless gun^[source]

Source measurement	The 2S1 Gvozdika (Russian: 2С1 «Гвоздика» , " Carnation ") is a Soviet self-propelled howitzer introduced in 1972 and is in service in Russia and other countries as of 2026 . It is based on the MT-LBu multi-purpose chassis, mounting a 122 mm 2A18 howitzer. "2S1" is its GRAU designation. An alternative Russian designation is SAU-122, but in the Russian Army it is commonly known as Gvozdika . The 2S1 is fully amphibious with very little preparation, and once afloat is propelled by its tracks. A variety of track widths are available to allow the 2S1 to operate in snow or swamp conditions. It is NBC protected and has infrared night-vision capability.^[source]2S1 Gvozdika · Lead; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The 2S1 was developed in Kharkiv , Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic . It has seven road wheels on each side; the running gear can be fitted with different widths of track to match terrain. The interior is separated into a driver's compartment on the left, an engine compartment on the right and a fighting compartment to the rear. Within the fighting compartment the commander sits on the left, the loader on the right and the gunner to the front. The all-welded turret is located above the fighting compartment. The 2S1 uses a 122 mm howitzer based on the towed D-30 howitzer. The gun is equipped with a power rammer, a double-baffle muzzle brake and a fume extractor . It is capable of firing HE (high explosive), leaflet , HE/RAP , armor-piercing HE, flechette and chemical rounds.^[source]2S1 Gvozdika · Lead; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage 2S34 Khosta – Modernisation of the 2S1 with the 122 mm 2A31 gun replaced by the 120 mm 2A80-1 gun-mortar . Further improvements include a new Malakhit fire control system , a battlefield observation system and the ability to fire the Kitolov-2M guided ammunition. One unit, the 21st Guards Motor Rifle Brigade in Totskoye , is currently being equipped with the system.^[source]2S1 Gvozdika · Variants / Russia; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage 2S1 modernized - The modernization is being carried out on the basis of the 122 mm towed howitzer of the Serbian modernization program. Project "SORA 122mm" and NORA B-52. Where the truck platform was abandoned, which was used by the prototype version of the "SORA 122mm" system in favor of a much better, crawler platform 2S1 Gvozdika system. The action was made possible by two new projectiles and an increased range of about 40% from 15,200 to 22,000 m (9.4 to 13.7 mi). A new ballistic computer and fire control system make it much faster to prepare for action. There is also a new inertial navigation system, GPRS, as well as the possibility of action, multiple projectiles in one point, MRSI. Thus, it was achieved that with one 2S1 Gvozdika system, in the system of MRSI action in one point, 6 projectiles can be fired in one minute; the modernized 2S1 Gvozdika is much improved. For better defense, a turret with a 12.7 mm machine gun was added. In 2021, the first modernized 2S1 Gvozdika system battery was introduced in service with the Serbian Army.^[source]2S1 Gvozdika · Variants / Serbia; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage 2S15 Norov – A prototype tank destroyer equipped with a radar-based fire control system and a 100 mm gun.^[source]2S1 Gvozdika · Variants / Soviet Union; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Kevlar-E – Infantry fighting vehicle based on the 2S1 platform, equipped with Shturm remote weapon station and room for 6 passengers in addition to the 3 crew. The original 220 kW (300 hp) V8 diesel engine has been replaced with a 310 kW (420 hp) diesel engine produced by Caterpillar , Cummins or Deutz , increasing the maximum road speed to 70 km/h (43 mph). The vehicle is amphibious and has air conditioning, a fire detection and suppression system, an NBC system, navigation system, and night-vision equipment. The variant was first introduced in April 2018. The prototype has been fighting in the Russian invasion of Ukraine .^[source]2S1 Gvozdika · Variants / Ukraine; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage On January 21, 2025, the Danish Ministry of Defense quietly added the 2S1 Gvozdika 122mm self-propelled howitzer to its list of military donations to Ukraine. The quantity remains unspecified, and the origin of these systems has not been disclosed.^[source]2S1 Gvozdika · Variants / Ukraine; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage	The SPG-9 Kop'yo ( Russian : СПГ-9 Копьё , transliterated: Stankovyi Protivotankovyi Granatomet "Kop'yo" - Easel Anti-tank Grenade Launcher "Spear") is a tripod-mounted man-portable, 73mm caliber recoilless gun developed by the Soviet Union . It fires fin-stabilized, rocket-assisted high explosive (HE) and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) shaped charge projectiles similar to those fired by the 73mm 2A28 Grom low pressure gun of the BMP-1 armored vehicle. It was accepted into service in 1962, replacing the B-10 recoilless rifle .^[source]SPG-9 · Lead; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The projectile is launched from the gun by a small charge, which gives it an initial velocity of between 250–400 metres per second (820–1,310 ft/s). The launch charge also imparts spin to the projectile by a series of offset holes. Once the projectile has traveled approximately 20 metres (66 ft) from the launcher, a rocket motor in its base ignites. For the PG-9 projectile, this takes it to a velocity of 700 metres per second (2,300 ft/s) before the motor burns out.^[source]SPG-9 · Description; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The SPG-9 is heavy, ~60 kilograms (130 lb), and normally transported by vehicle, and carried into position by its two person crew. It can be deployed in about a minute. The weapon is in service with a large number of armed forces, and a variety of ammunition is produced; however, they are mostly copies of the original Soviet PG-9 HEAT and OG-9 fragmentation high explosive (Frag-HE) rounds.^[source]SPG-9 · Description; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Source measurement

The 2S1 Gvozdika (Russian: 2С1 «Гвоздика» , " Carnation ") is a Soviet self-propelled howitzer introduced in 1972 and is in service in Russia and other countries as of 2026 . It is based on the MT-LBu multi-purpose chassis, mounting a 122 mm 2A18 howitzer. "2S1" is its GRAU designation. An alternative Russian designation is SAU-122, but in the Russian Army it is commonly known as Gvozdika . The 2S1 is fully amphibious with very little preparation, and once afloat is propelled by its tracks. A variety of track widths are available to allow the 2S1 to operate in snow or swamp conditions. It is NBC protected and has infrared night-vision capability.^[source]2S1 Gvozdika · Lead; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The 2S1 was developed in Kharkiv , Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic . It has seven road wheels on each side; the running gear can be fitted with different widths of track to match terrain. The interior is separated into a driver's compartment on the left, an engine compartment on the right and a fighting compartment to the rear. Within the fighting compartment the commander sits on the left, the loader on the right and the gunner to the front. The all-welded turret is located above the fighting compartment. The 2S1 uses a 122 mm howitzer based on the towed D-30 howitzer. The gun is equipped with a power rammer, a double-baffle muzzle brake and a fume extractor . It is capable of firing HE (high explosive), leaflet , HE/RAP , armor-piercing HE, flechette and chemical rounds.^[source]2S1 Gvozdika · Lead; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

2S34 Khosta – Modernisation of the 2S1 with the 122 mm 2A31 gun replaced by the 120 mm 2A80-1 gun-mortar . Further improvements include a new Malakhit fire control system , a battlefield observation system and the ability to fire the Kitolov-2M guided ammunition. One unit, the 21st Guards Motor Rifle Brigade in Totskoye , is currently being equipped with the system.^[source]2S1 Gvozdika · Variants / Russia; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

2S1 modernized - The modernization is being carried out on the basis of the 122 mm towed howitzer of the Serbian modernization program. Project "SORA 122mm" and NORA B-52. Where the truck platform was abandoned, which was used by the prototype version of the "SORA 122mm" system in favor of a much better, crawler platform 2S1 Gvozdika system. The action was made possible by two new projectiles and an increased range of about 40% from 15,200 to 22,000 m (9.4 to 13.7 mi). A new ballistic computer and fire control system make it much faster to prepare for action. There is also a new inertial navigation system, GPRS, as well as the possibility of action, multiple projectiles in one point, MRSI. Thus, it was achieved that with one 2S1 Gvozdika system, in the system of MRSI action in one point, 6 projectiles can be fired in one minute; the modernized 2S1 Gvozdika is much improved. For better defense, a turret with a 12.7 mm machine gun was added. In 2021, the first modernized 2S1 Gvozdika system battery was introduced in service with the Serbian Army.^[source]2S1 Gvozdika · Variants / Serbia; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

2S15 Norov – A prototype tank destroyer equipped with a radar-based fire control system and a 100 mm gun.^[source]2S1 Gvozdika · Variants / Soviet Union; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Kevlar-E – Infantry fighting vehicle based on the 2S1 platform, equipped with Shturm remote weapon station and room for 6 passengers in addition to the 3 crew. The original 220 kW (300 hp) V8 diesel engine has been replaced with a 310 kW (420 hp) diesel engine produced by Caterpillar , Cummins or Deutz , increasing the maximum road speed to 70 km/h (43 mph). The vehicle is amphibious and has air conditioning, a fire detection and suppression system, an NBC system, navigation system, and night-vision equipment. The variant was first introduced in April 2018. The prototype has been fighting in the Russian invasion of Ukraine .^[source]2S1 Gvozdika · Variants / Ukraine; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

On January 21, 2025, the Danish Ministry of Defense quietly added the 2S1 Gvozdika 122mm self-propelled howitzer to its list of military donations to Ukraine. The quantity remains unspecified, and the origin of these systems has not been disclosed.^[source]2S1 Gvozdika · Variants / Ukraine; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The SPG-9 Kop'yo ( Russian : СПГ-9 Копьё , transliterated: Stankovyi Protivotankovyi Granatomet "Kop'yo" - Easel Anti-tank Grenade Launcher "Spear") is a tripod-mounted man-portable, 73mm caliber recoilless gun developed by the Soviet Union . It fires fin-stabilized, rocket-assisted high explosive (HE) and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) shaped charge projectiles similar to those fired by the 73mm 2A28 Grom low pressure gun of the BMP-1 armored vehicle. It was accepted into service in 1962, replacing the B-10 recoilless rifle .^[source]SPG-9 · Lead; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The projectile is launched from the gun by a small charge, which gives it an initial velocity of between 250–400 metres per second (820–1,310 ft/s). The launch charge also imparts spin to the projectile by a series of offset holes. Once the projectile has traveled approximately 20 metres (66 ft) from the launcher, a rocket motor in its base ignites. For the PG-9 projectile, this takes it to a velocity of 700 metres per second (2,300 ft/s) before the motor burns out.^[source]SPG-9 · Description; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The SPG-9 is heavy, ~60 kilograms (130 lb), and normally transported by vehicle, and carried into position by its two person crew. It can be deployed in about a minute. The weapon is in service with a large number of armed forces, and a variety of ammunition is produced; however, they are mostly copies of the original Soviet PG-9 HEAT and OG-9 fragmentation high explosive (Frag-HE) rounds.^[source]SPG-9 · Description; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Manufacturer	Huta Stalowa Wola^[source]Polish production · 2S1 Goździk	—

Recoil	—	None^[source]

Carriage	—	Tripod^[source]

Feed system	—	Manually breech-loaded^[source]

Sights	—	PGO-9 optical 4× sight or PGN-9 IR and passive night sight^[source]

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