Mystery howitzer could be Yugoslav remnant aiding Ukraine
Ukrainian artillerymen have released a recording showing an unidentified artillery system being used at the front, according to the Ukrainian portal Defense Express. Analysts suggest that the weapon likely originates from former Yugoslav countries, although no official transfers have been announced.
The "Dniepr-1" Fire Support Regiment from Ukraine, part of the "Lut" brigade, is using a weapon of unknown origin, as seen in the recording Ukrainians published on social media. The howitzer, based on Soviet systems D-20 and D-74 with an unspecified calibre, might be a 155 mm calibre weapon from Bosnia and Herzegovina or Croatia, according to analysts from Defense Express.
Weapon of unknown origin in Ukraine
The howitzer seen in the social media recording is estimated to have a calibre of 152 mm or 155 mm. The barrel length is approximately 39 metres. Experts point out that the closest equivalent is the Nora M-84 system, developed in the former Yugoslavia.
After the breakup of Yugoslavia, Serbia acquired most of the Nora M-84 systems, and some ended up in Bosnia and Croatia. Analysts explain that the source of the transfer could be one of these countries — for example, Croatia, where all these howitzers were placed in storage due to non-compliance with NATO standards. Defense Express also mentions that Croatia has previously supplied Ukraine with various weapons, including the M-46, which was also withdrawn from service in Croatia due to a lack of NATO standards.
It's noted that another country that could have provided Ukraine with Nora M-84 howitzers is Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although this country doesn’t send equipment directly, it does so with the help of intermediaries.
Defense Express highlights that the specific barrel design seen in the howitzer from the recording may relate to the weapon named M94, which has a 155 mm calibre and a barrel length of 39 metres. Furthermore, the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina reported in February 2025 that all products from the company responsible for the M94 are exported. Analysts therefore believe it can be assumed that the equipment was delivered to a foreign client, from where it ended up in Ukraine.
