Breaking News: Russia Reinforces Military in Ukraine with New Batch of 2S43 152mm Malva Howitzers.

According to a statement published on July 31, 2024, by ROSTEC, a Russian state-owned conglomerate that develops and exports high-tech industrial products for both civilian and military applications, Rostec has successfully shipped another batch of its innovative 2S43 Malva 152mm 8x8 wheeled self-propelled artillery guns to the Russian military, currently deployed in Ukraine.
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The 2S43 Malva is the latest generation of 152mm wheeled self-propelled fully designed and developed by the Russian defense industry. (Picture source: Russian Social Network)

The 2S43 Malva is a 152mm 8x8 wheeled self-propelled howitzer engineered to effectively neutralize command posts, defensive structures, artillery and missile batteries, air defense positions, armored vehicle columns, and enemy troops. Notably, it features a "simultaneous fire raid" mode, allowing multiple shells fired at varying trajectories and speeds to strike the target simultaneously.

"One of the significant advantages of the Malva self-propelled artillery gun is its enhanced maneuverability, along with rapid deployment and withdrawal capabilities, which are crucial in the context of intense counter-battery combat in the special operation zone in Ukraine. Additionally, the wheeled howitzer requires simpler maintenance compared to tracked self-propelled artillery units. The 2S43 boasts a firing rate exceeding seven rounds per minute, a range over 24 km, and an ammunition capacity of up to 30 rounds," stated Bekkhan Ozdoyev, Industrial Director of the Conventional Arms, Ammunition and Special Chemicals Complex at Rostec.

The Malva's dimensions allow for easy transportation by military aircraft, such as the Il-76, enabling swift long-distance deployment. The self-propelled gun is equipped with a high-strength steel cabin armor, providing robust protection against small arms and shrapnel.

On June 3, 2024, a Ukrainian observation drone spotted the Russian self-propelled artillery system 2S43 Malva in the Belgorod region. The Malva, which emerged from development in 2023, was created by TsNII "Burevestnik" and manufactured by Uraltransmash, a subsidiary of Uralvagonzavod, a company renowned for its armored vehicles. This modern system appears to be effective on the front, though limited data is available to date.

The development of the 2S43 Malva began in 2021, with the first firing tests conducted the same year. The state trials for the Malva were completed on May 17, 2023, and it entered service with the Russian army in 2023. The deployment of the 2S43 Malva in Ukraine underscores its strategic importance and the capabilities it brings to the battlefield. The first reported use of the Malva in combat was on June 9, 2024, where it was employed to destroy Ukrainian bridges in the Kharkiv direction, cutting off supply routes for Ukrainian troops. This latest deployment is expected to enhance the Russian military's operational flexibility and combat efficiency in the ongoing conflict.

The 2S43 Malva boasts several key technical features: it is a 152mm caliber howitzer mounted on a BAZ 8x8 wheeled chassis. It has a firing rate of over seven rounds per minute and a firing range of more than 24 km. The howitzer can carry up to 30 rounds of ammunition and is equipped with high-strength steel cabin armor for protection against small arms and shrapnel. The system also includes a "simultaneous fire raid" mode for synchronized multi-shell impact.

The 2S43 Malva self-propelled artillery system provides Russian troops in Ukraine with significant tactical advantages, including enhanced mobility and maneuverability due to its 8x8 wheeled chassis, allowing for rapid deployment and repositioning. Its longer range and high firing rate improve its effectiveness in counter-battery operations, while the "simultaneous fire raid" mode increases precision and impact on targets. Additionally, the Malva offers simpler maintenance and lower operating costs compared to tracked howitzers, along with robust protection against small arms and shrapnel, making it a versatile and resilient asset in the conflict