Partner 2023: Serbia modernises 2S1 Gvozdika

The upgrade by Srboauto modernises the legacy 2S1 self-propelled artillery system for the Serbian Armed Forces. (Janes/Christopher Petrov)

Serbia's Srboauto has begun modernising the Serbian Army's 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems. The upgrade includes the ability to fire extended-range munitions, a defensive 7.62 mm machine gun for the commander, and a new fire-control system (FCS). An example of the upgrade was displayed at the Partner 2023 defence exhibition in Belgrade.

The 2S1 retains its 122 mm main armament, but with the development of extended-range munitions it can now engage targets at just over 20 km. The new FCS generates targeting data more quickly and enables the operators to act faster and more accurately than with the 2S1's standard FCS. The upgrade also introduces an uncooled thermal camera for the driver, which is mounted on the front of the hull, with daytime cameras fitted on the front and rear of the vehicle. The 2S1 also receives an open-top turret for a 7.62 mm machine gun that can be used for defensive purposes.

The vehicle has also received a new heating, ventilation, and cooling system to maximise crew comfort.