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New 2S44 Giatsint-K Self-Propelled Gun in Service with Russian Forces in Ukraine.
The 152 mm/50 2S44 "Giatsint-K" self-propelled gun, mounted on a wheeled chassis, has recently been integrated into the artillery arsenal of the Russian Armed Forces. According to a video report aired on February 10, 2025, as part of the television program "Evening with Vladimir Solovyov," this new artillery system is now part of the 238th Separate Guards Artillery Brigade, under the 8th Guards Combined Arms Army, operating in the zone of the special military operation in Ukraine. The 2S44 "Giatsint-K" is a significant addition to the artillery units deployed in the region.
The 2S44 "Giatsint-K" is an advanced version of the 2S43 Malva self-propelled howitzer, based on the BAZ-6910-027 Voschina (8x8) wheeled chassis. (Picture source: Russian Media)
The 2S44 "Giatsint-K" is an advanced version of the 2S43 Malva self-propelled howitzer, based on the BAZ-6910-027 Voschina (8x8) wheeled chassis. This system integrates the swinging part of the 152 mm/50 towed 2A36 "Hyacinth-B" cannon, a notable improvement aimed at enhancing the weapon's capabilities. Developed by the Central Research Institute Burevestnik JSC in Nizhny Novgorod, part of the Uralvagonzavod Scientific and Production Corporation, the 2S43 Malva entered small-scale production in 2023. It was equipped with the 152 mm/47 swinging part of the 2A64 cannon, originally used in the 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzer.
However, the 2S43’s reliance on the 2A64 cannon, with a 16-liter charge chamber, raised concerns about its limited ballistic range. The maximum firing range of this older system is about 24 km, which is significantly lower than the range of modern Western 155 mm/52 howitzers, which typically reach ranges of 30 to 32 km. The inability of the 2S43 to match the range of these modern systems became a clear limitation, especially in the context of current battlefield dynamics in Ukraine, where NATO-standard weapons are being used.
In response, the Russian military undertook an urgent modernization program, resulting in the development of the 2S44 "Giatsint-K" self-propelled gun. This variant is equipped with the 152 mm/50 towed 2A36 "Giatsint-B" cannon, which features a much larger 27-liter charge chamber. This design improvement allows the 2S44 to achieve a maximum firing range of up to 30.5 km, bringing it into closer competition with NATO-standard artillery systems. The projectiles used by the 2S44 "Giatsint-K" include long-range 3OF59 shells, designed to maximize the weapon’s range and impact.
The first public appearance of the 2S44 "Giatsint-K" occurred in December 2024, when the Russian Ministry of Defense released footage from a training ground. Close-up images confirmed that the barrel from the 2A36 cannon had been adapted for use on the 2S44 chassis. Since the production of the swinging parts for the 2A36/2A37 guns ceased in 1993, the barrels currently in use have likely been sourced from stockpiles, raising questions about the scalability of this solution. Moreover, the large size of both the 2S43 and 2S44 systems remains a major disadvantage, as these weapons are less maneuverable than other artillery pieces.
Looking ahead, experts have raised concerns about the continued reliance on 152 mm artillery systems in Russia, particularly as NATO forces standardize on 155 mm calibers. For Russia to maintain competitive artillery capabilities, it may need to transition to the 155 mm caliber, as other countries such as China and North Korea have already done. Such a transition would align Russian artillery with NATO standards and potentially resolve the current limitations of its 152 mm systems.
The 2S44 "Giatsint-K" represents a crucial step in Russia’s artillery modernization efforts, but its effectiveness in meeting contemporary operational requirements remains subject to further development and evaluation. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the evolving capabilities of self-propelled artillery systems like the 2S44 will play a significant role in shaping the artillery landscape on both sides.