The Russian Airborne Forces have begun using the new 2S31 "Vena" automated self-propelled artillery gun (SPG). It was first shown in a report by VGTRK correspondent Mikhail Andronik on the Vesti program.
The SPG is designed to destroy various types of armored vehicles, including heavy Leopard and M1 Abrams tanks of various modifications, as well as to combat enemy infantry, artillery, and fortifications.
What is known about the 2S31 "Vena" SPG?
- Inside the SPG is a computer capable of memorizing the coordinates of up to thirty enemy targets. Rate of fire is ten rounds per minute.
- Range - up to 13,000 meters. The artillery unit is installed on the BMP-3 chassis. The arsenal includes seventy rounds of various types, including high-precision "Kitolov-2". The commander's turret is equipped with a remotely controlled 7.62-mm PKTM machine gun for self-defense.
- The device recognizes irradiation by laser rangefinders and target designators of the enemy through special sensors. The built-in grenade launcher complex creates an impenetrable aerosol screen to cover the SPG.
- The multi-fuel engine has a power of 450 horsepower. "Vena" is capable of speeds up to 70 km/h on the highway and up to 10 km/h in the water. The cruising range is up to 500 kilometers. The crew consists of four people.
"Vena" was created in the early 2010s in Perm at the Motovilikhinskiye Zavody, but was never supplied to the Russian army. The plant itself has been in bankruptcy since 2018. A small batch of "Vena" was sent for export, but until recently the SPG seemed to be waiting for its finest hour in the ranks of the Russian army. "Vena" is twice the size of its predecessor, the self-propelled artillery gun "Nona". According to military experts, the 2S31 "Vena" SPG is one of the best in its class. And the paratroopers themselves say that more of these machines should be in service.