The 2S43 "Malva" (in Russian: 2С43 Мальва, Malva referring to the flower) is a 152 mm Russian self-propelled gun mounted on an 8x8 wheeled chassis.

2S43 Malva
TypeSelf-propelled howitzer
Service history
In service2023–present
Used byRussian Federation
Production history
DesignerTsNII "Burevestnik"
Designed2019–2023
ManufacturerUraltransmash
Specifications
Mass32 tons
Length13 m
Width2.75 m
Height3.1 m
Crew5

Elevation−3° to +70°
Traverse30°
Rate of fire7 rounds per minute
Effective firing range24.5 km(2A64) or 70 km(2A88)

Armorunknown
Main
armament
152 mm 2A64 or 2A88
Secondary
armament
none
EngineDiesel YaMZ-8424.10
470 hp
SuspensionHydraulic ?
Operational
range
1000 km
Maximum speed 80 km/ h

Development

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The 2S43 Malva was developed by the central institute of research Burevestnik based in Nizhny Novgorod.[1] The development of the system was done in the context of the Nabrosok program, which is supposed to develop an entirely new range of artillery systems for the Russian armed forces.[2]

The main innovation of the project is the use of an AWD wheeled chassis of eight wheels. This increases the mobility and lowers the mass, but with an unchanged combat ability.[3] Wheeled chassis are also less expensive to exploit and produce. It is produced by Uraltransmash, a branch of Uralvagonzavod. The chassis, BAZ-6610-02 "Voshchina" is produced by the Bryansk Automobile Plant.[4]

In 2021, the technical and tactical exigencies were fixed, in anticipation of future tests. These tests began in 2021 and ended on 17 May 2023.[5]

On 26 October 2023, the first batch of Malva howitzers was reported to be delivered to the army.[6] The second batch was reportedly delivered in June 2024.[7] Deliveries reportedly continue since July 2024.[8]

Deployment in Ukraine

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On June 2, 2024 an aerial image of the 2S43 surfaced showing the vehicle’s deployment to a firing position in the Kharkiv region in Ukraine as part of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. While the image is confirmed to be a 2S43, there is very little information available regarding how many are on the front or their uses.[9]

Description

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The 2S43 "Malva" possesses a 152 mm 2A64 cannon, with a 30 rounds ammunition storage. It has an effective range of 24.5 km, a gun elevation of +70°, depression of -3° and azimuth of  30°. Other reports say that the 2S43 could be equipped with the 2A88 cannon which is used by the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV. It has cabin armor to be protected against small arms and shrapnel. With an operational mass of 32 tons, the 2S43 is much more mobile than other self-propelled guns like the 42-ton 2S19 Msta or other tracked self-propelled artillery.[citation needed]

See also

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Notes and references

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  1. ^ "Russia's 2S43 Malva 152mm 8x8 howitzer completes state trials successfully | Defense News May 2023 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2023 | Archive News year". www.armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  2. ^ Benoît.C (2020-01-04). "[Actu] Vers une amélioration de la mobilité de l'artillerie russe". Red Samovar (in French). Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  3. ^ Gravisse, Benjamin. "Malva et Floks. Le retour en grâce de l'artillerie sur roues en Russie ?". www.areion24.news (in French). Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  4. ^ "2S43 Malva Self-Propelled Howitzer | Military-Today.com". www.military-today.com. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  5. ^ "Гендиректор УВЗ сообщил о завершении госиспытаний самоходного орудия "Мальва"". TACC. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  6. ^ "«Ростех» передал Минобороны первую партию новейших самоходных гаубиц «Мальва»". Коммерсантъ (in Russian). 2023-10-26. Retrieved 2023-10-26.
  7. ^ "Ростех поставил в войска партию колесных гаубиц «Мальва»". Ростех (in Russian). Retrieved 2024-06-27.
  8. ^ "Russian Troops Receive New Batch of 2S43 Malva 152mm Wheeled Self-Propelled Artillery Systems". Militarnyi. 2024-07-31. Retrieved 2024-08-01.
  9. ^ "Ukrainian UAV spotted first appearance of 2S43 Malva new Russian Self propelled Howitzer". Defense News security global military army equipment industry. 2024-06-11. Retrieved 2024-06-11.
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