The deployment of the wheeled monster reflects Russia's efforts to improve artillery tactics, prioritizing mobility, accuracy and rapid deployment.
According to Army Recognition, the appearance of the Russian 2S43 Malva 152mm self-propelled gun in the Kursk region near the Ukrainian border, shared via a video on Ukrainian social networks on November 12, has attracted the attention of observers. This self-propelled gun, with the BAZ-6610-02 “Voshchina” 8x8 wheeled system, is a testament to Russia’s strong investment strategy in modern artillery systems.
The 2S43 Malva is not only highly maneuverable but also possesses great firepower, designed to destroy a wide range of military targets, from command centers, fortified positions to air defense facilities, effectively serving Russia in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Malva has a firing rate of more than seven rounds per minute, a firing range of more than 24km, and a "simultaneous fire raid" mode that allows multiple shells to be launched at different speeds and trajectories, creating concentrated power on the target. This helps the system easily take down Ukrainian defensive positions, supporting Russian ground forces to maintain the initiative on the battlefield.
The system is highly mobile, making it well suited to the intense artillery battles in Ukraine, said Rostec’s industrial director, Bekkhan Ozdoyev, Army Recognition. The Malva’s wheeled design not only reduces maintenance requirements but also increases logistical flexibility compared to traditional tracked systems. With an armored cabin and a capacity of up to 30 rounds, the Malva provides the crew with the necessary protection, allowing them to remain operational even in the face of counter-battery fire.
Unveiled in 2021 and undergoing successful state trials in May 2023, Malva officially joined the Russian armed forces. The system was first used in combat in June 2024, participating in attacks on Ukraine's strategic infrastructure, blocking enemy reinforcement lines. The presence of 2S43 Malva in Ukraine shows Russia's efforts to improve the effectiveness of artillery with the ability to deploy quickly and flexibly, in order to create an advantage in this protracted war.
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| Russian 2S43 Malva self-propelled howitzer (Photo source: ROSTEC) |
In addition, the 2S43 Malva was developed by Russia to compete with advanced wheeled self-propelled artillery systems such as the French CAESAR and the Ukrainian Bohdana. This artillery system can operate effectively in different terrains, thanks to the 152mm 2A64 gun with a range of up to 24.5 km, altitude from -3° to +70°, and azimuth angle of ±30°. Combining powerful firepower and a compact design, the Malva can be easily transported by military aircraft such as the Il-76, providing rapid deployment for frontline missions.
The prolonged conflict has caused heavy artillery losses on both sides, forcing Russia to step up the development of self-propelled artillery systems such as the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV – a new generation self-propelled artillery model with a rate of fire of up to 16 rounds per minute, a range of 40 km and extended to 80 km with guided ammunition. Requiring only three operators and equipped with an automatic loading system, the Koalitsiya-SV not only increases combat effectiveness but also reduces manpower requirements.
The outstanding feature of the "wheeled monster" Malva lies in its digital targeting systems, which help improve accuracy, giving Russia an advantage in restraining Ukraine's defense measures. Since being put into use in January 2024, Malva has effectively supported Russian forces on the front line, providing concentrated firepower, maintaining the safety of the crew from a long distance.
The deployment of the 2S43 Malva, along with the Koalitsiya-SV, reflects Russia’s efforts to advance its artillery tactics, prioritizing mobility, precision, and rapid deployment. With their combination of firepower and versatility, these systems represent Russia’s strategy to maintain artillery superiority on the Ukrainian battlefield, meeting the demands of a protracted conflict with ever-changing tactics and battlefield conditions.
Source: https://congthuong.vn/malva-quai-vat-banh-lop-cua-nga-lieu-co-lam-mua-lam-gio-tren-chien-truong-ukraine-358441.html
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