17th High-Power Artillery Brigade
Unit Overview
The 17th Separate High-Power Artillery Brigade (Russian: 17-я отдельная бригада высокомощной артиллерии; 17 обр ВМ) is a formation of the Russian Ground Forces equipped with heavy-caliber self-propelled artillery systems: the 203 mm 2S7 Pion/2S7M Malka and the 240 mm 2S4 Tyulpan. The brigade’s mission is to deliver long-range, high-power fires against hardened and deeply buried targets, conduct deliberate reduction of fortifications, and perform extended-range counter-battery engagements. In Russian practice, high-power artillery brigades are typically held under central control (Reserve of the Supreme High Command, RVGK) and allocated to operational groupings as required.
Basing and Subordination
As of 2025, the Russian Ministry of Defence does not publish authoritative, detailed peacetime stationing or current higher-headquarters assignment for the 17th High-Power Artillery Brigade. Open-source reporting indicates that high-power artillery brigades are centrally controlled and can be attached to a military district or a combined-arms army depending on operational demand. Due to inconsistent public disclosure, this report does not provide a specific garrison location or current operational attachment for the brigade.
Equipment Profile: 2S7 Pion / 2S7M Malka
The 2S7 (GRAU index 2S7; NATO reporting name 'Pion') is a 203 mm self-propelled gun introduced in the 1970s; the upgraded 2S7M 'Malka' was fielded in the late 1980s, with modernization programs resumed in the 2010s. Key characteristics: caliber 203 mm; typical maximum range approximately 37.5 km with standard HE and up to roughly 47–50 km with rocket-assisted projectiles (ammunition dependent); rate of fire about 1.5 rounds/min (2S7) and up to roughly 2.5 rounds/min (2S7M); onboard ammunition stowage of around 4 rounds (2S7) increased to approximately 8 rounds (2S7M). System mass is in the mid-40-ton range (approximately 46–47 t). A standard HE projectile for this caliber weighs on the order of 110 kg. The system operates with an expanded ammunition team and dedicated support vehicles for handling and transport. Historically, the 2S7 platform was designed to be capable of employing special munitions; there is no public evidence of such munitions being issued in current operations.
Equipment Profile: 2S4 Tyulpan
The 2S4 Tyulpan (GRAU index 2S4) is a 240 mm self-propelled mortar introduced in the early 1970s. Key characteristics: caliber 240 mm; effective range approximately 9.6 km with standard HE and up to about 19 km with rocket-assisted ammunition; rate of fire around 1 round/min; system mass in the high-20-ton range (approximately 27–30 t). The primary HE round for this caliber weighs roughly 130 kg. The 2S4 can fire specialized concrete-piercing munitions and has a documented precision option via the 1K113 'Smelchak' laser-guided mortar round. The platform is optimized for high-angle, high-yield fires against fortifications and urban strongpoints.
Organizational Structure
The Russian Ministry of Defence does not publish the detailed table of organization and equipment (TO&E) for the 17th High-Power Artillery Brigade. In general, high-power artillery brigades are organized around battalion-level subunits equipped with 2S7/2S7M and 2S4, supported by artillery reconnaissance elements (including UAVs and survey/met teams), signals, logistics, maintenance, medical, and security subunits. The precise number of systems and the internal configuration of the 17th Brigade are not publicly confirmed.
Firepower and Effects
The brigade’s 2S7/2S7M provides long-range, heavy-caliber direct and indirect fires suited for counter-battery operations and deep interdiction at roughly 30–45 km (standard HE) and beyond with rocket-assisted projectiles. The 2S4 complements this with high-angle, very high-yield fires for breaching and destroying fortified positions, bunkers, and urban strongpoints at shorter ranges. The large projectile masses (approximately 110 kg for 203 mm HE and approximately 130 kg for 240 mm HE) enable substantial destructive effects, including against reinforced concrete structures, at the cost of a low rate of fire and significant logistical burden.
Target Acquisition and Fire Control
High-power artillery brigades are supported by Russian artillery reconnaissance means that have been publicly documented across the force, including counter-battery radars such as 1L219M 'Zoopark-1M' and 1L271 'Aistenok', as well as the 1B75 'Penicillin' acoustic-thermal reconnaissance system. Artillery units also make extensive use of small UAVs (e.g., Orlan-10) for target detection, adjustment of fire, and battle damage assessment. Modernized platforms incorporate improved communications and navigation (e.g., GLONASS-based) and interface with automated fire-control systems used by Russian artillery; the exact configuration in the 17th Brigade is not officially disclosed.
Mobility, Sustainment, and Ammunition Handling
Both 2S7/2S7M and 2S4 are tracked vehicles designed for off-road mobility but rely on rail for strategic movement. Sustainment requirements are significant due to the mass of projectiles (approximately 110–130 kg each), necessitating dedicated ammunition transporters, mechanical handling equipment, and cranes. Units are typically supported by logistics elements for ammunition supply, fuel, spares, recovery, and field repairs. The heavy weight of the systems and munitions imposes constraints on throughput and tempo compared to lighter-caliber artillery.
Training and Exercises
Prior to 2022, Russian strategic and operational exercises (e.g., events such as 'Kavkaz-2020' and 'Zapad-2021') featured high-power artillery in published Ministry of Defence footage and press releases, highlighting massed fires, counter-battery tasks, and integration with reconnaissance assets. Training cycles for such units emphasize ammunition handling procedures for very heavy rounds, safety in firing large charges, synchronization with UAV-directed fires, and rapid displacement to mitigate counter-battery risk.
Operational Employment Since 2022 (Open-Source Indicators)
Since February 2022, Russian state media, official MoD releases, and independent open-source imagery have repeatedly shown both 2S7/2S7M and 2S4 operating in Ukraine, including during fighting around fortified urban areas and in counter-battery roles. Publicly available videos and photos have depicted 2S4 Tyulpan in siege tasks (e.g., urban assault environments) and 2S7/2S7M conducting long-range fires in sectors of Donetsk, Luhansk, and other fronts. Attribution of specific actions to the 17th High-Power Artillery Brigade is not consistently verifiable in open sources, as multiple heavy-artillery formations field the same systems. Independent loss trackers have documented losses of both 2S7/2S7M and 2S4 in the theater; the figures are dynamic and should be consulted at the source for the most current counts.
Infrastructure and Basing Characteristics
Garrison infrastructure for a high-power artillery brigade typically includes: heavy-equipment parks and covered storage for large tracked vehicles; rail spurs or nearby railheads for strategic transport; ammunition storage areas with substantial explosive safety distances; maintenance and repair workshops capable of supporting large-caliber artillery; fuel storage and distribution points; signals and command facilities; and access to training areas able to accommodate long-range and high-angle fires. The exact layout, capacity, and security measures of the 17th Brigade’s facilities are not publicly disclosed.
Modernization Status and Industry Support
Russian industry (notably Uraltransmash under Uralvagonzavod/Rostec) has publicly reported overhauls and upgrades of 2S7 to the 2S7M 'Malka' standard in the 2010s–2020s, including refurbishment of powertrain and running gear, replacement of obsolescent components, and improved communications and navigation suites. Public reporting also indicates ongoing overhauls of 2S4 systems, generally focused on restoring serviceability and updating communications; no widely publicized deep modernization program for 2S4 comparable to 'Malka' has been announced. The specific pace and allocation of upgraded systems to the 17th Brigade have not been officially detailed.
Notes on Data Availability
Details such as exact garrison address, current higher-headquarters assignment, TO&E, quantities of 2S7/2S7M and 2S4 in the brigade, and current deployment locations are not officially published and are inconsistently reported across open sources. Where such specifics are not verified by authoritative public documentation, they are omitted here.