Russians may have received 203-mm shells from Iran

The Russian army has reportedly acquired imported 203-millimeter caliber shells, likely from Iran, which were originally intended for use with American-made M110 self-propelled artillery units.

Images of these shells were released by the resource “Ukrainian Informator.” An additional indicator supporting this information is that in 2023, Russian artillerymen received firing tables for “Product 203,” which could indirectly confirm that the Russian Federation has indeed begun receiving 203-mm shells through foreign supplies.

Among all of the Kremlin’s allies, only Iran currently possesses 203-mm caliber artillery. The Military Balance 2023 indicates that Iran has 30 M110 self-propelled guns and 20 towed M115 howitzers. North Korea’s largest caliber is 170 mm, while China is still working on its own 203-mm artillery systems, the Defense Express reports .

The fact that Russia is importing 203-mm shells from Iran suggests that the Russians were unable to purchase Soviet-made 203-mm shells for “Pion” self-propelled guns from other post-Soviet countries.

Self-propelled howitzer Pion of the Russian army, which fires 203-mm shells. Illustrative photo.

Read also:

• Zelenskyy urges US to strengthen allies in wake of Iran’s attacks on Israel
• Germany to transfer additional Patriot system to Ukraine to repel Russian attacks on infrastructure
• Bloomberg: EU leaders to call for new sanctions on Belarus, North Korea, Iran
• Media: Iran supplied Russia with hundreds of ballistic missiles, plans more supplies
• Analyst: Russian oil money turning North Korea into “ideal military factory”

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this. We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!