russian 2S43 “Malva” self-propelled artillery gun. Open source photo.
The Russian military recently received another batch of advanced 2S43 Malva self-propelled howitzers, a photo that surfaced online on April 3 revealed.
The photo shows a train loaded with at least eight Malvas in an unidentified part of Russia, possibly heading towards the special military operation zone. It was reportedly taken sometime last February and published only now for security reasons.
Click to see full-size image. Via Telegram.
The Malva is based on the BAZ-6010-027 8×8 special wheeled chassis. The howitzer is armed with a 152 mm 2A64 cannon, with a 30 rounds ammunition storage. It has an effective range of 24.5 kilometers, a gun elevation of +70°, depression of -3° and azimuth of ± 30°.
In addition, the howitzer can fire Krasnopol laser-guided artillery rounds, which have a range between 20 and over 40 kilometers.
The 32-ton Malva can cover a distance of 1,000 kilometers on public roads without refueling thanks to its all-wheel drive and a powerful diesel engine. It is also more maneuverable than self-propelled tracked howitzers, features greater technical potential and is less costly in operation.
Russian state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec delivered the first batch of Malva howitzers to the Russian military in October of 2023. The conglomerate, which produces the howitzers, said in July of last year that another batch was delivered.
Also in July, Rostech revealed that the armored cabin of the Malva withstood a hit by a rocket of the United States-made M142 HIMARS multiple launch rocket system in the special military operation zone. The conglomerate shared photos at the time.
Click to see full-size image.
Click to see full-size image.
Click to see full-size image.
Click to see full-size image.
Click to see full-size image.
Click to see full-size image.
Click to see full-size image.
Click to see full-size image.
The mass production of the Malava has clearly begun. However, it is still unclear how many such wheeled howitzers are currently in service with the Russian military. The number could be in the dozens.
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