Russian army seemingly deploys 2S7M Malka 203mm self-propelled howitzers near Ukraine.

On February 8, Russian forces deployed 203mm 2S7 Malka self-propelled guns in the vicinity of Vesela Lopan, a town just 17 km from the Ukrainian border. This is indeed what videos broadcast via social networks suggest.
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2S7M Malka 203mm self-propelled howitzer (Picture source: Army Recognition)

On February 8, Russian forces deployed 203mm 2S7 Pion (or Malka) self-propelled howitzers in the vicinity of Vesela Lopan, a town just 17 km from the Ukrainian border. This is indeed what videos broadcast via social networks suggest.

Modernized 2S7M Malka self-propelled howitzer loaded for delivery in early December 2021 (Picture source: topwar.ru)

According to the press service of Uralvagonzavod in early December 2021, the first batch of modernized 2S7M Malka self-propelled howitzers was handed over to the Russian Ministry of Defense. the updated equipment has already been sent to the troops. The message did not contain information on the number of SPHs transferred to the army. It only noted that this was the first batch of 203mm self-propelled guns 2S7M Malka, which had undergone a major overhaul with deep modernization within the framework of the state defense order. The modernization was carried out at Uraltransmash: replacement of the gearbox, distribution mechanisms, power supply units, observation devices and guidance system, intercom equipment and radio station. The CBRN protection system had been updated. Additionally, it is now possible to aim at a target using a UAV.

In April 2020, UVZ announced a deep modernization of the first ACS 2S7M Malka and readiness for serial modernization of the entire fleet of self-propelled guns. Apparently, the Ministry of Defense signed a corresponding contract with the company.

The 2S7M "Malka" with a 2A44 cannon of 203 mm is capable of firing various types of ammunition, including active-reactive and special ammunition with a nuclear warhead. Large-caliber self-propelled guns were once developed as a weapon for a possible tactical nuclear strike. The first modification - 2S7 "Pion" - has been in operation since 1975; the modernized version - 2S7M - since 1986.

The combat weight of the 2S7M "Malka" in the previous layout was 46.5 tons, the crew was 6 people, the radio equipment R-173 was standard, the ammunition carried was limited to 8 rounds, the self-propelled gun was brought into combat position within 7 minutes. Now the 2S7 Malka is able to fire more than 2 rounds per minute, for an effective range of 37 km. As Rostec reported in 2020, new-generation shells are being developed for Malka.