Ukrainian forces reportedly captured a Russian army 2S7M Malka 203mm howitzer

According to a picture published on the Twitter account of Ukraine Weapons Tracker on March 24, 2022, Ukrainian forces reportedly captured a 2S7M Malka 203mm self-propelled howitzer, which is considered the most powerful conventional artillery system in the world. In February 2022, videos were released on the Internet showing 2S7M Malka, a modernized version of the 2S7 Pion, in Belgorod on the way to the Ukrainian border.
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Ukrainian soldiers would have captured a Russian army 2S7M Malka 203mm tracked self-propelled howitzer. (Picture source Twitter Ukraine Weapons Tracker)

Ukrainian soldiers would have captured a Russian army 2S7M Malka 203mm tracked self-propelled howitzer. (Picture source Twitter Ukraine Weapons Tracker)

On December 2021, Army Recognition reported that the first batch of modernized 2S7M Malka 203mm self-propelled howitzers was handed over to the Russian Ministry of Defense.

The modernization of the 2S7 was carried out at Uraltransmash and includes the replacement of the gearbox, distribution mechanisms, power supply units, observation devices and guidance system, intercom equipment and radio station. The CBRN protection system has been updated. Additionally, it is now possible to aim at a target using a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle).

The 2S7 Pion, Russian designation M-1975 SO-203 is a long-range 203mm tracked self-propelled howitzer that entered service with the Russian army in 1975. Citing a Russian military source, a 2S7 artillery regiment has a total of 24 weapons in three batteries, each with eight howitzers.

The chassis of the 2S7 is of all-welded steel armor construction that provides the crew with protection from small arms fire and shell splinters. It is divided into four compartments including the driver's, engine, crew, and rear compartment.

The 2S7M Malka is armed with a 203mm 2A44 cannon which is capable of firing various types of ammunition, including active-reactive and special ammunition with a nuclear warhead. Large-caliber self-propelled guns were once developed as a weapon for a possible tactical nuclear strike.

The combat weight of the 2S7M Malka in the previous layout was 46.5 tons, the crew was 6 people, the radio equipment R-173 was standard, the ammunition carried was limited to 8 rounds, the self-propelled gun was brought into combat position within 7 minutes. As Rostec reported in 2020, new-generation shells are being developed for Malka. The maximum range is 37.5 km and the initial speed is 960 m/sec. The latter projectile weighs 103 kg and contains 13.8 kg of explosives and can reach a maximum firing of 47.5 km.

Russian army 2S7M Malka 203mm tracked self-propelled howitzer. (Picture source Vitaly Kuzmin)