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American M109 Self-Propelled Howitzers Spotted in Five Ukrainian Brigades

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Ivan_khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
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American M109 Self-Propelled Howitzers Spotted in Five Ukrainian Brigades
Ukrainian crew operates an M109 Paladin howitzer near the frontline in Zaporizhzhia region, June 2024. (Source: Getty Images)

Self-propelled howitzers M109 have been observed in service with five Ukrainian Defense Forces units between March and April 2025, according to Militarnyi on April 29.

Photos released by official unit pages and media reports confirm that the artillery systems have been fielded by the 156th Mechanized Brigade, the 1st Tank Brigade, the 25th Airborne Brigade, the 32nd Mechanized Brigade, and the recently reformed 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skala.”

The M109s represent a significant upgrade for several units. For example, the 156th Mechanized Brigade, previously equipped only with mortars and 122mm D-30 towed howitzers, has now integrated these 155mm systems into its arsenal, according to Militarnyi.

The Ukrainian artillery units are gradually replacing their Soviet-era 2S1 Gvozdika and 2S3 Akatsiya self-propelled howitzers, as well as D-20 towed guns, with Western-caliber artillery systems.

This shift is driven by the depletion of Soviet stockpiles, wear and tear on aging systems, and new deliveries from foreign partners. Some of the M109s likely became available as other units received more modern wheeled artillery, such as the 2S22 Bohdana.

All M109s observed in Ukrainian service are earlier A3-A4 variants equipped with 39-caliber barrels. These guns are capable of firing standard M107 high-explosive shells up to 18 kilometers (about 11 miles), and extended-range ammunition—including rocket-assisted projectiles and base bleed shells—up to 25–30 kilometers (about 15–19 miles).

Photos from the frontline show all deployed M109s equipped with heavy anti-drone cages and operating from fortified firing positions covered with protective netting, reflecting adaptations to the current threat environment.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is accelerating domestic production of the 2S22 Bohdana wheeled howitzer. According to Army Technology, production rates are expected to reach 36 units per month.

The Bohdana system has already been adopted by at least 18 brigades across the Defense Forces, including units of the Ground Forces, Marines, National Guard, and even the National Police.

In addition, Ukraine has introduced the Bohdana-B, a towed version currently using modified Soviet Giatsint-B carriages, with plans to replace these with new chassis by the end of 2025.

What is the M109 self-propelled howitzer?

The M109 is one of the most widespread Western self-propelled artillery systems, designed to provide mobile, protected fire support. It first entered US Army service in 1963 and has undergone multiple upgrades since.

Originally developed to replace the M44, the M109 features a fully rotating turret mounted on a tracked chassis.

Ukrainian soldiers fire a US-made M109 self-propelled howitzer in Donetsk region, February 2023. (Source: Getty Images)
Ukrainian soldiers fire a US-made M109 self-propelled howitzer in Donetsk region, February 2023. (Source: Getty Images)

Early models were equipped with a 155mm M126 howitzer, later upgraded to longer barrels such as the M185 and M284 in subsequent versions, improving range and firepower.

Key technical features of the M109 include:

  • Crew: 4–6 personnel

  • Engine: Detroit Diesel 8V-71T or upgraded Cummins VTA-903T500

  • Speed: 56–65 km/h (about 35–40 mph) depending on the version

  • Operational range: 300–350 kilometers (about 186–217 miles)

  • Armament: 155mm howitzer with a range of up to 30 kilometers (about 19 miles) using extended-range projectiles; secondary armament includes a 12.7mm (.50 caliber) machine gun

Modernized versions like the M109A6 Paladin feature digital fire control systems, improved protection, and faster reaction times, allowing a unit to fire within 30 seconds of stopping. Some M109s in Ukrainian service are compatible with precision munitions like the M982 Excalibur, capable of striking targets up to 40 kilometers (about 25 miles) away.

Ukraine operates a mix of M109 variants supplied by allies such as Norway, Italy, Belgium, Latvia, and the United States. As of early 2024, approximately 90 M109 systems of various modifications were in Ukrainian service.

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