Ukraine has successfully destroyed the world’s largest self-propelled mortar system, the Russian 2S4 Tyulpan, using HIMARS rocket artillery. 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 destruction of this system was achieved through a precise attack carried out by HIMARS rocket artillery situated near the village of Bilogorivka in the eastern Lugansk province.
The video footage highlights the destructive power of the 2S4 Tyulpan self-propelled mortar system, known for its ability 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, this system has 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, it faces challenges related to mobility and adaptability due to its size and operational limitations. Each 2S4 Tyulpan system reportedly costs around $1.7 million.
MilitarnyiOryx, an information analysis site, revealed that Russia has lost over 50 of these systems since the conflict began, either through destruction or significant damage. Ukraine has leveraged HIMARS artillery in previous military operations, targeting Russian air defense missile launchers suspected to be S-400 systems in Belgorod region over 30 km away from Ukrainian border. Russia has not commented on these incidents