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Ukrainian Armed Forces Strike Russian 2S43 Malva Artillery System for First Time.


The Ukrainian Armed Forces have successfully struck a Russian 2S43 Malva self-propelled howitzer in the Kursk Oblast using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The attack, carried out by the Flying Skull Unmanned Systems Force, involved two FPV (first-person view) drones targeting this rare artillery system.

The 2S43 Malva is a Russian self-propelled howitzer designed to provide long-range artillery support. (Picture source: Social Media)


The operation, shared in footage by blogger Serhiy Sternenko, highlights the increasing use of UAVs by Ukrainian forces for precision strikes. The first drone hit the cockpit where the vehicle’s crew was located. Despite this, the 2S43 Malva continued moving. A second drone targeted the artillery section of the system, hitting the ammunition containers and the cannon area.

Despite sustaining two drone hits, the vehicle appeared to remain operational, leaving the targeted road section that was under Ukrainian fire. This serves as another example of the resilience and adaptability of Russian equipment in the face of advanced Ukrainian drone warfare.

The 2S43 Malva, a relatively recent addition to Russian artillery forces, was first spotted in the combat zone in June 2024. However, it had entered service toward the end of the previous year. It was initially captured by long-range reconnaissance drones in the Belgorod Oblast. At that time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces had been unable to strike it.

The 2S43 Malva is a Russian self-propelled howitzer designed to provide long-range artillery support. Armed with a 152mm 2A64 howitzer, it is capable of firing a range of munitions, including high-explosive, active-reactive, and guided projectiles. The system is built on the chassis of a BAZ-6010-027 truck, which allows for higher mobility and faster deployment compared to traditional tracked artillery systems. This wheeled design makes the 2S43 more suitable for quick repositioning, offering flexibility on the battlefield.

The 2S43 Malva is equipped with several advanced combat features. Its fire control system integrates a ballistic computer, GPS navigation, and automated targeting to improve accuracy and operational efficiency. Additionally, the vehicle is fitted with thermal imaging and night vision devices, enhancing its effectiveness during low-visibility conditions. The inclusion of smoke grenade launchers provides added protection for the vehicle, allowing it to evade targeting in combat situations. The vehicle also benefits from an auxiliary power unit (APU), ensuring operational capability when the main engine is not running.

In terms of mobility, the 2S43 Malva is a relatively lightweight and fast system, weighing 32,000 kg and capable of reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h on roads. It has a range of 1,000 km, allowing it to operate over long distances without requiring frequent refueling. The vehicle's dimensions are 13 meters in length, 2.75 meters in width, and 3.1 meters in height. While it offers protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters, the 2S43 Malva’s crew of five, consisting of a commander, driver, gunner, and two loaders, operates in a relatively light-armored environment.

One of the advantages of the Malva is its lighter weight compared to the tracked Msta-S, weighing 32 tons due to its open mounting design. The vehicle is mounted on the BAZ-6010-027 truck chassis, reducing production costs and accelerating manufacturing. However, it is also reported that the system lacks modern automation, requiring manual ammunition loading and offering limited horizontal guidance angles. Additionally, the vehicle requires flat ground for operation as its platform lacks an independent leveling system.

Despite its shortcomings, the 2S43 Malva remains a valuable asset for Russian artillery, and its presence on the battlefield underscores the evolution of artillery systems in the ongoing conflict.


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