Ukraine Hunts Down Rare Russian 2S4 “Bunker Buster” Tyulpan Mortar Near Vovchansk

Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian 2S4 Tyulpan self-propelled heavy mortar near the frontline city of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region, according to footage released by the ARES unit of Ukraine’s 57th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade on May 6.

The video published by the brigade shows Ukrainian operators identifying and striking the Russian system, which was reportedly being used to shell Ukrainian defensive positions on the Vovchansk axis.

According to the ARES unit, the destroyed system was a 240 mm 2S4 Tyulpan self-propelled mortar, one of the heaviest artillery systems still used by Russian forces. The platform is designed to destroy fortified positions, concrete structures, and defensive strongholds at ranges of up to 20 kilometers.

“Russian installation was detected, the strike was adjusted, and the target was destroyed during combat operations in the sector,” the unit stated.

The brigade added that the specific Tyulpan system had been operating against Ukrainian positions in the Kharkiv region before being eliminated.

Open-source geolocation accounts, including GeoConfirmed, UAControlMap, and analyst Andrew Perpetua, also published location data linked to the strike footage.

According to statements published by the ARES unit, the mortar system was accompanied by supporting personnel and transport vehicles during the operation. Ukrainian volunteer and military commentator Serhii Sternenko stated that the strike also destroyed members of the mortar crew and escort transport.

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The 2S4 Tyulpan was developed in the Soviet Union and entered service in the 1970s. Production continued until 1988, with approximately 588 units manufactured during that period. The system remains relatively rare compared to standard Russian artillery platforms, and many surviving units are believed to be held in long-term storage.

The Tyulpan has previously been used by Russian forces during battles for Mariupol, Sievierodonetsk, and Bakhmut. Russian troops also deployed the system during assaults on the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol in 2022.

The platform is capable of firing specialized heavy ammunition, including bunker-penetrating munitions and tactical nuclear shells developed during the Soviet era.

Earlier, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency reported a coordinated strike in occupied Crimea targeting Russian naval and aviation assets, including a rare Soviet-era Be-12 amphibious aircraft and several Project 05060 assault boats used for rapid troop deployment along the coast.

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