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Russia Equips Its Msta-S Self-Propelled Gun with New Cannon in Context of Ukraine Conflict.
The Msta-S, one of the essential elements of the Russian Army’s artillery, has undergone an important modernization with the introduction of the 2S19M version. This updated variant is equipped with the new 2A64M2 gun, which offers a 20% increase in its rate of fire, elevating it from 7-8 rounds per minute to 10 rounds per minute. This improvement enhances operational efficiency and effectiveness, particularly for sustained fire and rapid-response combat situations.
The Msta-SM is a modern, self-propelled artillery system developed by Russia. (Picture source: Rosoboronexport)
The modernized Msta-S integrates advanced software and targeting systems to significantly improve its fire support capabilities. A key feature of the modernization is the "fire raid" mode, which optimizes the distribution of targets between the guns in a platoon or battery. The system relies on a computerized terminal linked to the fire control system, allowing for quick and precise allocation of targets based on the data from the command and staff vehicle of the battery’s senior officer.
This system streamlines the target engagement process, reducing the time required to deploy the artillery unit into a firing position and prepare it for immediate action. The reduced deployment time and the higher rate of fire allow the Msta-S crew to minimize exposure to enemy counter-fire, particularly during artillery duels, where speed and precision are critical.
The Msta-S is a modern, self-propelled artillery system developed by Russia, designed to provide powerful fire support on the battlefield. It is equipped with a 152mm gun capable of delivering high-impact shells over long distances, making it a formidable asset in artillery operations. In addition to the main gun, the vehicle is also armed with a 12.7mm machine gun for close-range defense. The Msta-S is built with an all-welded steel armor hull and turret, offering protection against small arms fire, shell splinters, and landmines, ensuring that the crew is shielded in various combat environments.
This artillery system is designed to operate across diverse terrains, with a top speed of 60 km/h on roads and a range of up to 500 km, allowing it to be deployed swiftly and efficiently. It accommodates a crew of five and is equipped with night vision capabilities and an NBC (Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical) protection system, ensuring the vehicle’s effectiveness in a wide range of operational scenarios, including those in low visibility or contaminated environments.
The vehicle has a substantial weight of 42,000 kg, making it a robust and stable platform for long-range fire support. With a length of 7.15 meters, a width of 3.38 meters, and a height of 2.99 meters, the Msta-S is a well-sized vehicle that balances firepower with mobility and crew protection, solidifying its role in modern artillery regiments in Russia and other user nations like Belarus, Ukraine, Ethiopia, and Georgia.
One of the major improvements to the modernized Msta-S is its integration with the Krasnopol-D Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), which extends the artillery’s firing range. With the Krasnopol-D, the Msta-S can hit targets at distances of up to 43 kilometers, making it a valuable asset for long-range fire support missions. In comparison, when using the standard Krasnopol-guided shells, the firing range extends to 20 kilometers. This combination of extended range and precise targeting allows the modernized Msta-S to provide highly accurate fire support, even at long distances.
The modernized Msta-S, with its upgraded 2A64M2 gun, increased rate of fire, and advanced fire control systems, represents a formidable asset on the battlefield. The integration of sophisticated targeting technologies, combined with enhanced firepower and reduced deployment times, improves the survivability and effectiveness of the self-propelled howitzer in modern combat scenarios. With the ability to reach longer distances thanks to the Krasnopol-D UAS, the Msta-S becomes an even more powerful tool for both offensive and defensive artillery operations. This modernization ensures that the Msta-S remains a key player in the artillery regiments of the Russian Armed Forces.