Uralvagonzavod to complete development of Malva self-propelled howitzer in 2022.

The Uralvagonzavod (UVZ) concern, a subsidiary of state corporation Rostec, will complete all trials of the newest 2S43 Malva 152 mm self-propelled howitzer (SPH) in 2022, a UVZ spokesperson told the TASS news agency. "A prototype of the Malva 152mm wheel-based self-propelled howitzer is now passing through its preliminary trials. The all-aspect test program, including state trials, is set to be completed in 2022," said the spokesperson.
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2S43 Malva 152mm 8x8 self-propelled howitzer. (Picture source: en.topwar.ru)

According to UVZ, Malva might enter serial production after 2023. "The issue of serial manufacturing of the Malva, as well as the development of its 155 mm export-oriented variant, will be made by the customer after successful completion of state trials," said the spokesperson.

The Malva 152 mm wheel-based SPH has been developed by the Burevestnik institute, a subsidiary of UVZ. This new 2S43 Malva is based on the 8x8 military truck chassis BAZ-6010-027 manufactured by the Bryansk Automobile Plant. In the Russian army, the 2S43 could replace the 2A65 MSTA-B and the 2S1 Gvozdika 122 mm self-propelled howitzers based on tracked chassis.

According to Russian military sources, the 2S43 Malva is armed with the 152mm 2A64 cannon that is also used on the 2S19 MSTA-S. Our first analysis based on the pictures released on the Internet shows that the 2S43 has a semi-automatic loading system. Like for the French CAESAR, the rear part of the truck chassis is fitted with a large hydraulically-operated spade that can be lowered on the ground to provide a more stable firing platform.

The 2S43 Malva has a rate of fire of 8 rounds per minute thanks to the use of a new gun-loading mechanism. There is no public information about the tactical and technical characteristics of this new Russian artillery system due to the secret development of the project.

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