2S3 Akatsiya 152mm Self-Propelled Artillery

To match the capabilities of the United States Army and its introduction of the 155mm-armed M109 SPA (Self-Propelled Artillery), the Soviet Union took to development of a similar-minded system of 152mm (152.4mm) caliber in the 2S3 "Akatsiya" ("Acacia"). The Soviet vehicle, designated as the "M1973" in American nomenclature, began its development during 1968 to which manufacture was directed by Uraltransmash and production spanned from 1967 to 1993. Several major forms ultimately emerged including all-modernized versions to keep the system a viable artillery piece. The 2S3 has since gone on to see considerable battlefield activity and proven itself on more than one occasion through its accuracy and mechanical reliability. As such, many remain as frontline use today (2014), primarily with former Soviet states and global allies.