Ukraine's Biggest Artillery Craves Ammo. 150,000 Shells May Arrive Soon.

Greece is reportedly considering a huge ammo transfer.

A Ukrainian 2S7 in action. Ukrainian army photo

The Ukrainian army went to war in February 2022 with around 100 of its massive 2S7 self-propelled howitzers. The 14-person crews of the 203-millimeter guns fought hard in the initial defense of Kyiv—and then fanned out to support Ukrainian troops along the eastern front line.

But after a year or so, the giant guns—Ukraine’s biggest—began occasionally falling silent. And it was clear why. Yes, the Russians have knocked out or captured at least eight of the howitzers, but there were plenty of additional guns in storage to make good these losses.

No, they withdrew because stocks of their 230-pound shells ran low … or ran out.

That may finally change. According to Greek newspaper Efimerida ton Syntakton, the Greek government is considering donating, via a Czech-led ammunition initiative, a whopping 150,000 203-millimeter shells along with 60 surplus U.S.-made M-110 howitzers, which are broadly similar to the 2S7s and fire compatible ammo.

The transfer is not yet official policy. But if it goes through, it could restore and sustain Ukraine’s heaviest battlefield firepower. A 2S7 lobs a standard shell as far as 23 miles.