Russia plans to deploy new 2S38 Derivatsya anti-aircraft gun system to Ukraine.

Following the director of the Russian defense industry conglomerate, Rostec, newly commissioned vehicles are going to be sent to the front lines. These are expected to be better suited to the new challenges of the front and to new weapons such as drones. One of these new vehicles is the Derivatsiya PVO. This anti-aircraft artillery should be sent to the front very shortly.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

 2S38 Derivatsya-PVO presented in ForumArmy 2019 (Picture source Army Recognition )

 The industrial director of the state company, Bekhan Ozdoev, told the media: "Last year, we completed the development of several new systems. Among them is the 57 mm anti-aircraft artillery complex 'Derivatsiya-PVO'."

"Derivatsiya-PVO" was developed to replace the "Shilka" and "Tunguska" anti-aircraft systems in the tactical air defense units of the Russian ground forces. Its primary goal is to combat cruise missiles and MLRS shells, aircraft and helicopters, as well as enemy drones and even lightly armored ground targets using a 57 mm caliber projectile at medium and low altitudes.

The development of the "Derivatsiya-PVO" air defense system was initiated by Russia in the early 2010s. Specifically, reports indicate that development began around 2014, as part of Russia's ongoing efforts to modernize and expand its air defense capabilities, especially in response to evolving aerial threats such as drones and low-altitude attack systems. The full name of this system is "2S38 Derivatsiya-PVO". This system is based on the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle chassis and is equipped with a 57 mm automatic cannon capable of high-rate fire.

The design of the Derivatsiya-PVO includes modern detection and tracking capabilities, with a fire control radar and optical systems for engaging targets in limited visibility conditions or without the aid of radar. The system can use special ammunition, including guided shells and programmable fragmentation munitions to increase effectiveness against various aerial and lightly armored ground threats.

First introduced into the Russian armed forces for testing around 2018, the Derivatsiya-PVO is seen as a response to modern short-range air defense needs, particularly against targets like drones, which have become common in many contemporary conflicts. This system aims to fill gaps in short-range air defense and complement existing ground-to-air missile systems.

The Derivatsiya PVO ZAK is built on the BMP-3 chassis, the engagement range of its cannon is 6 km, the engagement altitude can reach 4.5 km, and the firing rate is 120 rounds per minute. Given its high mobility and ability to overcome water obstacles, the Derivatsiya is used as a replacement for anti-aircraft systems; however, it is only lightly armored. Although it can fire at various targets, aerial or potentially ground, it will not be positioned at the front line but can truly provide a protective bubble around significant objectives.

Defense News April 2024