Russia enhances military capabilities with 152mm self-propelled howitzer 2S43 Malva successful trials.

On June 27, 2023, the Russian state-owned conglomerate Rostec made an announcement about the successful completion of state trials for the 8x8 wheeled 152mm self-propelled howitzer known as 2S43 Malva. This news is particularly significant as the Russian Army had previously lacked such wheeled self-propelled artillery units (SPAs), which are crucial for various tactical situations.
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The 2S43 Malva successfully completed second state trials (Picture source Russian MoD)

The development team emphasizes the mobility advantages of the 2S43 Malva, which allows for quick positioning and disengagement to avoid counter-battery fire, a critical aspect of modern warfare. The successful state trials conducted by Rostec's specialists pave the way for the potential integration of the 2S43 Malva into Russia's armed forces, enhancing the country's military capabilities. The wheeled self-propelled design offers increased versatility in various military operations, suitable for different landscapes. The 2S43 was unveiled in 2020, as reported at the time by the Army Recognition editorial team.

The development of the 2S43 Malva was part of a larger project called "Sketch," initiated by the Central Research Institute Burevestnik in collaboration with several related organizations and NPK Uralvagonzavod, a Russian Defense Manufacturer. The development and testing of the howitzer began in the late 2010s, and in October 2020, General of the Army Oleg Salyukov, the commander-in-chief of the ground forces, revealed the general plans for the "Sketch" project, scheduled to be completed by 2022. The wheeled 152mm self-propelled howitzer underwent factory tests by the end of 2020, with a modified prototype expected to undergo further testing in the spring or summer of 2021.

The 2S43 Malva is a 152mm wheeled self-propelled artillery system based on the all-terrain, reliable four-axle, 8x8 BAZ-6010-027 all-wheel drive truck. It features an open artillery unit and an armored cabin to accommodate the crew during transportation. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with smoke grenade launchers on the roof of the cockpit and small arms for self-defense. The cargo platform allows for the placement of various units and stowages, with the artillery unit installed in the rear.

By utilizing the same 2A64 152-mm gun as the 2S19 Msta-S tracked self-propelled howitzer, the 2S43 Malva inherits all the advantages and firing capabilities of the 2S19 system. This ensures better logistics, maintenance, and supply, while also allowing the experience and expertise gained from operating the 2S19 to be seamlessly transferred to the 2S43, enhancing the overall effectiveness and interoperability of the artillery units on the battlefield.

The 152mm gun on the 2S43 Malva can fire projectiles weighing approximately 43 kilograms at a maximum firing range of 24,500 meters, with a rate of fire estimated to be around 7-8 rounds per minute, significantly higher than other artillery systems of its type. This high rate of fire is achieved through a specially designed gun-loading mechanism. With an ammunition load of 30 rounds, the 2S43 Malva weighs 32,000 kg, making it notably lighter than the tracked 2S19 Msta-S. It has an elevation range of -3 to +70 degrees and a traverse range of 60 degrees.

The 2S43 Malva is the latest Russian 8x8 wheeled self-propelled howitzer (Picture source: Military-AZ)

One intriguing feature of the howitzer is its ability to perform a "simultaneous barrage" mode, firing multiple projectiles simultaneously to saturate a target area. The onboard equipment facilitates ammunition handling and provides automated fire control for the crew of five. Additionally, the 2S43 Malva is equipped with an autonomous power unit, ensuring continuous electricity supply while in position.

Operated by a crew of five, the 2S43 Malva measures 13 meters in length, 2.75 meters in width, and 3.1 meters in height. Under the hood, the 2S43 Malva is powered by a YaMZ-8424.10 diesel engine, generating 470 horsepower. This enables it to achieve a maximum road speed of 80 km/h and offers an operational range of 1000 km without refueling. Additionally, the howitzer can be transported by the Il-76 transport aircraft, allowing for swift deployment to distant locations.

Regarding its maneuverability, the 2S43 Malva can handle gradients of up to 60% and side slopes of 40%. It can surmount vertical steps of approximately 0.6 meter and cross trenches of about 2 meters. Additionally, it can ford through water with a depth of up to 1.4 meters.

The use of wheeled chassis is a modern trend in artillery development, providing increased mobility and resource efficiency compared to tracked vehicles, offering a more cost-effective solution. For example, the 2S43 Malva has demonstrated faster deployment, disengagement, and targeting capabilities compared to towed artillery pieces. Several countries, including China, France, Iran, and Ukraine, have showcased their wheeled self-propelled guns, while Russia aims to expand its presence in this market, potentially considering the Malva for export after successful testing and evaluation.

The 2S43 Malva is considered a promising addition to the divisional artillery of the Russian Ground Forces. Its lightweight, high mobility and cost-effective operation make it a valuable complement to the existing tracked 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled guns. While it is expected to offer certain advantages over tracked systems, such as increased deployment speed and reduced operating costs, it may face challenges in terms of crew protection compared to its tracked counterpart.