The Ukrainian military employed HIMARS artillery to target Russia’s 2S4 Tyulpan self-propelled mortar system, potentially destroying the world’s largest self-propelled mortar system. A video shared by Ukrainian war correspondent Yuriy Butusov on June 15 captured the moment when a Ukrainian reconnaissance drone identified the Russian 2S4 Tyulpan in the fields.
The Russian 2S4 Tyulpan self-propelled mortar system is renowned for its capability to demolish fortified structures and operate effectively in urban warfare situations. With a caliber of 240 mm and a combat weight of 27.5 tons, the 2S4 Tyulpan possesses a range of 9.5 km with conventional ammunition and 19.5 km with rocket-propelled projectiles. Despite its strengths, such as the ability to fire at high angles and deliver lethal payloads, the system faces challenges related to mobility and adaptability due to its size and operational limitations. Each 2S4 Tyulpan system reportedly costs around $1.7 million.
However, Ukraine has leveraged HIMARS artillery in previous military operations, using these weapons to target and eliminate Russian air defense missile launchers, suspected to be S-400 systems, in the Belgorod region, over 30 km away from the Ukrainian border. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not commented on these incidents.