The Russian Armed Forces have deployed 2S23 Nona-SVK self-propelled gun systems for the Issyk-Kul Anti-Terror 2018 CIS exercise in Kyrgyzstan.
A Russian defense official was quoted by the RG.RU newspaper as saying on 25 September that the maneuvers involve military command and control units, ground and air forces of Russian and Kyrgyz armed forces.
The drills will involve in total some 2,000 troops from the two countries and almost 400 pieces of military hardware including aircraft.
A motorised rifle brigade of the Central Military District stationed in Tuva has covered over 2,000 km to represent the Russian Armed Forces at the exercise. Besides, Iskander-M crews of the Central Military District were redeployed to the drill site in Kyrgyzstan.
As to 2S23 Nona-SVK, this is a wheeled self-propelled gun system designed for combines the capabilities of both mortar artillery system and a self-propelled howitzer.
The Nona-SVK chassis is based on the hull of the BTR-80 wheeled armoured personnel carrier and is equipped with a roof-mounted turret with a 120mm gun.
According to the Armyrecognition.com, the Nona-SVK battalion level self-propelled gun (SPG) is designed for use against enemy troops, armament and military equipment. Its armor protection, cross-country mobility, and maneuverability are identical to the wheeled armored personnel carrier BTR-80.
This mortar system can be used as mortar or howitzer, delivering direct or indirect fire. A maximum range of fire is 8.85 km with ordinary projectiles, 12.8 km with rocket-assisted projectiles and 7.15 km with mines.
