History[]
SO-152 (СО-152) is a Soviet 152.4 mm self-propelled artillery developed in 1968. It was a response to the American 155 mm M109 howitzer. The development started in 1967 according to the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of USSR from July 4, 1967. In 1968, the SO-152 was completed and entered service in 1971. Its GRAU designation is 2S3 (2С3). The fighting vehicle also received the additional designation Akatsiya (Акация), which is Russian for "acacia". The 2S3 became a well-known (self-propelled) artillery vehicle after it fought in different combat operations in Afghanistan, and it is where it proved to be an effective and reliable artillery system. The 2S3 Akatsiya has seen action during two Chechen wars and military conflicts on the territory of the former USSR, were it was quite useful. It fought in the Soviet War in Afghanistan, Iran-Iraq War, Gulf War, first and second Chechen War, and some other civil wars. The 2S3 was only exported to foreign countries in small numbers.
In Game[]
The Akatsiya the second self propelled gun in the USSR/Russian Self propelled gun line, like most SPGs in game it is best to be engaging targets in longs ranges due to its low armor, no ability to fire on the move, and non existant close range defence.
Pros and Cons[]
Pros
- Powerful gun
- Can shoot over obstacles
- Low profile
- High manueverability
Cons
- Poor armor
- Cannot engage close range targets
- Cannot engage aircraft
- Slow reload