Mystery artillery boosts Ukraine's frontline capabilities
Ukrainian artillerymen have released a recording showing an unidentified artillery system being utilised on the front line, according to the Ukrainian portal Defence Express. Analysts suggest that the weapon most likely originates from former Yugoslav countries, though no official transfers have been announced.
The "Dniepr-1" Fire Support Regiment from Ukraine, part of the "Lut" brigade, is employing a weapon of unknown origin, as shown in the recording published by Ukrainians on social media. The howitzer, based on Soviet systems D-20 and D-74 with an unspecified calibre, might be—according to analysts from Defence Express—a 155 mm calibre weapon from Bosnia and Herzegovina or Croatia.
Weapon of unknown origin in Ukraine
The howitzer seen in the social media recording is estimated to have a calibre of either 152 mm or 155 mm. The barrel length is approximately 39 metres. Experts indicate that the closest equivalent is the Nora M-84 system, developed in the former Yugoslavia.
Following the breakup of Yugoslavia, Serbia acquired most of the Nora M-84 systems. Some found their way to Bosnia and Croatia. Analysts explain that the source of the transfer could be one of these countries, for example, Croatia, where these howitzers were stored due to their non-compliance with NATO standards. Defence Express also notes that Croatia has previously supplied Ukraine with various weapons, including the M-46, which was also withdrawn from service in Croatia for not meeting NATO standards.
It is noted that the second country potentially providing Ukraine with Nora M-84 howitzers is Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although this country does not send equipment directly, it does so with the assistance of intermediaries.
At this point, Defence Express emphasises that this source might be linked to the specific barrel design seen in the howitzer shown in the recording. This pertains to the weapon designated 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 thus believe it can be inferred that the equipment was delivered to a foreign client, from where it eventually ended up in Ukraine.
