Ukrainian Forces Strike Russian Positions with Captured 2S19M2 Self-Propelled Howitzer.

On July 22, 2024, Ukrainian social media revealed a video showing Ukrainian forces utilizing a captured Msta-SM2 (2S19M2) 'Odin' self-propelled howitzer. This unit was seized by the 95th Air Assault Brigade during intense combat in Ukraine. According to open sources, to date, 47 Russian army 2S19M2 self-propelled howitzers have been destroyed or damaged, while 15 others have been captured by Ukrainian soldiers.
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Russian Msta-SM2 (2S19M2) 'Odin' self-propelled howitzer used by Ukraine Forces (Picture source: Ukraine MoD)

Introduced into the Russian army in 1989, the 2S19 MSTA-S is the backbone of Russian artillery. This self-propelled howitzer is based on a main battle tank chassis, with the suspension and running gear from the T-80 tank and the powerpack from the T-72 tank. Armed with a long 152 mm 2A64 cannon and a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun mounted on the turret roof, the 2S19 offers robust protection with its all-welded steel armor and is capable of firing HE-FRAG rounds to a maximum range of 24.7 km.

The upgraded model, the 2S19M2, was first unveiled in 2013 and introduced into the Russian army in 2017. This modernized version is equipped with a new automatic fire control system that increases the firing rate to up to 10 rounds per minute. The 2S19M2 is powered by a V-12 model V-84A multi-fuel engine developing 780 horsepower, coupled to a mechanical transmission with 7 forward and 1 reverse gears. The torsion bar suspension includes six road wheels, an idler at the front, a drive sprocket at the rear, and five track-return rollers, with the upper part of the track covered by armor.

The new 2A79 152 mm cannon of the 2S19M2 allows for a firing range of over 40 km, a significant improvement over the previous model's 25 km range. It is also capable of firing the new precision-guided Krasnopol-D munitions with GPS guidance, reaching up to 43 km, as well as the older Krasnopol-M2 laser-guided munitions with a range of up to 26 km. An improved camouflage system reduces the thermal and optical visibility of the vehicle, thus enhancing its protection against detection and the effectiveness of precision weapons.

The capture of these vehicles represents a major strategic advantage for Ukrainian forces. The use of advanced Russian equipment not only immediately enhances their operational capability but also creates a demoralizing psychological effect on the adversary. Analyzing and integrating these latest generation systems allows for a deeper understanding of enemy technology, thus optimizing Ukrainian tactics and strategies in response to battlefield challenges.