Russia is preparing to deploy its latest howitzers in its Northern military district, located near the border with Finland and Norway. According to Sergei Chemezov, the head of Rostec, the testing of the new Coalition-SV self-propelled artillery units has concluded, and production has already begun. The first batch of these howitzers is expected to be delivered by the end of 2023. The decision to deploy these weapons is driven by a desire to gain an advantage in terms of firing range over Western artillery models. Chemezov believes that these howitzers will soon be stationed in the Northern Military District, as they are crucial for maintaining superiority in artillery firepower against Western counterparts. This move is significant given recent geopolitical developments. In 2021, Russian President Vladimir Putin changed the status of the Russian Northern Fleet, expanding its responsibility to include the Northern Military District, which now incorporates the Murmansk region that shares borders with Finland and Norway. This expansion suggests Russia’s intention to consolidate its military presence in the region. Furthermore, since launching a full-scale invasion in Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow has accused the West of orchestrating a proxy war against Russia. In response, Russia has threatened to reinforce its forces along its western borders, particularly following Finland’s accession to the US-led NATO alliance. This new deployment of howitzers near Finland’s border can be seen as a part of Russia’s strategy to assert its military presence and influence in the region. It also serves as a message to NATO and the Western powers that Russia is prepared to defend its interests. It is worth noting that single Coalition-SV howitzers have already been deployed to the frontline in Ukraine. These howitzers boast a range of up to 70 kilometres (approximately 44 miles) and are equipped with a modern 2A88 cannon of 152 mm caliber, capable of firing more than 10 rounds per minute. They also feature an advanced system for automating gun pointing, target selection, and navigation. This deployment signifies Russia’s commitment to modernizing its military capabilities and adapting to modern warfare techniques. Moscow aims to demonstrate its strength and assertiveness in the face of perceived threats from the West. The deployment of the newest howitzers along the border with Finland and Norway is likely to further fuel tensions between Russia and the Western powers. It is crucial for neighboring countries and NATO to closely monitor these developments and respond accordingly to ensure regional stability and security.