The 2S9 chassis is designated the S-120 and based on the aluminium hull of the BTR-D airborne multi-purpose tracked armoured personnel carrier.

It is a rifled, breech-loaded weapon capable of firing HE (high explosive), white phosphorus and smoke rounds, as well as laser-guided munitions like KM-8 Gran.

It can engage in indirect and direct fire, as well as targeting armoured vehicles; its armour-piercing rounds can penetrate the equivalent of 600–650 mm (24–26 in) of steel plate at up to 1 km (0.62 mi).

In July 2022, video on social media purportedly shows Ukrainian forces using M777 to destroy a towed 2B16 Nona-K in Hoptivka on the border with Russia.

[9] On 26 March 2024, Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russia 2S9 Nona 120 mm mortar with a GLSDB and left another “burning” in Zaporizhzhia.