Breaking News: Rostec Pushes to Accelerate Delivery of 2S38 Anti-Aircraft Vehicle to Russian Forces for Ukraine Deployment.

Citing information published by Russian media on January 3, 2025, Russian state defense company Rostec is pushing to accelerate the delivery of its advanced 2S38 Derivatsiya-PVO anti-aircraft gun system to the Russian Armed Forces. Designed to enhance air defense capabilities, the system is set to be deployed in Ukraine, where its unique features will be tested in a challenging battlefield environment. The 2S38 is poised to play a key role in countering a wide range of aerial threats, including drones, cruise missiles, and aircraft, offering Russian forces a new and advanced air defense capability on the Ukrainian frontlines.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

2S38 Derivatsiya-PVO self-propelled anti-aircraft gun system showcased during the Victory Day Parade in Moscow, May 2020. The advanced air defense vehicle, developed by Rostec, is designed to counter drones, cruise missiles, and aircraft with its powerful 57mm cannon. (Picture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)

The 2S38 Derivatsiya-PVO is distinguished as the world’s only anti-aircraft gun system capable of hitting aerial targets using a 57-mm rifled automatic cannon. Its main armament, the 2A90 57mm cannon, delivers a high rate of fire and advanced targeting capabilities, making it particularly effective in countering low-flying threats such as drones and missiles. This advanced weapon system is equipped with artillery fire control systems that allow for precise engagement of targets at varying ranges and altitudes.

The 2A90 57mm cannon boasts a rate of fire of up to 120 rounds per minute, allowing for rapid suppression of enemy aerial threats. The system’s gun can be depressed to -5 degrees and elevated to +75 degrees, providing a wide range of targeting angles for both low and high-altitude threats. The 2S38 carries a total of 148 rounds of ammunition, with some sources suggesting that the system can hold up to 200 rounds, which provides ample firepower for sustained combat operations. The cannon can engage flying targets at ranges from 200 to 6,000 m, while it can also target ground-based threats at a range of up to 3,000 m.

The 2S38's capabilities extend to high-altitude and high-speed targets as well. The maximum altitude for flying targets is 4,500 m, and it can engage targets flying at speeds of up to 500 m/s, making it effective against fast-moving missile systems and aircraft. The cannon uses various types of ammunition from the 57x348SR 281-series family, including the 53-BR-281 APCBC-T (Armor-Piercing Capped Ballistic Cap Tracer) round and the 53-OR-281 HE-T (High-Explosive Tracer) round. These rounds are optimized for different types of threats, allowing the Derivatsiya-PVO to adapt to the evolving needs of modern air defense.

Developed on the chassis of the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle, the 2S38 Derivatsiya-PVO combines mobility and firepower, making it a highly versatile system. Its self-propelled design allows it to quickly relocate across the battlefield, offering protection against aerial threats while supporting ground units. The system’s advanced artillery fire control system incorporates radar and electro-optical sensors, enabling it to track and engage multiple targets simultaneously, even in cluttered or contested environments.

While the system's primary mission is to counter air threats, the 2S38 Derivatsiya-PVO is also highly effective in supporting ground operations. Military expert Evgeny Damantsev has pointed out that the system can be used in close coordination with armored units such as tanks, providing defense against air attacks while also offering artillery fire support for ground targets. This dual capability enhances the effectiveness of both air defense and ground combat operations, making it a flexible asset for Russian forces, especially in urban warfare or during direct confrontations with opposing armored units.

The deployment of the 2S38 in Ukraine presents a crucial opportunity to test this advanced air defense technology in a real-world combat environment. Ukraine’s challenging terrain, which ranges from open fields to densely urbanized areas, provides an ideal testing ground for a system like the Derivatsiya-PVO. The ongoing use of drones and other aerial threats in the conflict makes this system particularly relevant for countering low-flying UAVs, which have become a common tool for reconnaissance and strike operations.

The 2S38's mobility and firepower make it especially effective in urban environments, where drone swarms and missile attacks have proven to be major challenges. Its ability to quickly redeploy across different terrains while maintaining full operational capability ensures that it can provide air defense and artillery support in a wide range of combat situations. This adaptability could prove crucial as both Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to engage in high-intensity operations.

Overall, the 2S38 Derivatsiya-PVO offers a significant leap forward in Russia's air defense strategy. Its combination of a powerful 57-mm cannon, advanced targeting systems, and mobility makes it an ideal solution for addressing modern aerial threats. As the war in Ukraine continues to evolve, the 2S38’s deployment will provide Russian forces with a unique tool for countering drones, cruise missiles, and other high-speed threats. This versatile weapon system, developed to perform in both air defense and ground combat roles, represents a key component in Russia’s ongoing effort to enhance its military capabilities in a rapidly changing battlefield. The system’s operational success in Ukraine will likely shape future strategies for deploying next-generation air defense technologies.