Uraltransmash (part of the Uralvagonzavod defense manufacturer within the state tech corporation Rostec) produced and delivered new 2S19M2 ‘Msta-S’ self-propelled howitzers to the Russian Army under the defense procurement plan. In creating the 2S19M2 ‘Msta-S’ weapon, the rate of its aimed fire was improved to 10 rounds per minute, its aiming accuracy was increased and the artillery burst mode was introduced to strike a target with five shots at a time and exit the position. The 2S19M2 self-propelled howitzer is a modern combat vehicle developed with the focus on its improved operational performance and higher reliability.
The 2S19 “Msta-S” (after the Msta River) is a 152.4 mm self-propelled howitzer designed by Soviet Union, which entered service in 1989 as the successor to the 2S3 Akatsiya. The vehicle is based on the T-80 tank hull, but is powered by the T-72’s diesel engine. The Msta is a modern howitzer designed for deployment either as an unarmored towed gun, or to be fitted in armored self-propelled artillery mountings. Current production of the towed model is designated Msta-B, while the self-propelled model is the Msta-S (also known by the GRAU index 2S19). In 2008 the Russian armed forces ordered an improved model with an automated fire control system.
The 2S19’s standard equipment consists of a semi-automatic laying system 1P22, an automatic loader, an NBC protection system, passive night vision device for the driver, a wading kit, a dozer blade, a smoke generator and 81mm smoke launchers, 1V116 intercom system and a 16 kW generator AP-18D. The 2A64 ordnance of the 2S19 can fire the following types of ammunition, among others: HE (24.7 km), HEAT-FS, HE-BB (28.9 km), HERA (36 km), smoke, chemical, tactical nuclear, illumination and cargo (ICM).[original research?] The laser-guided round “Krasnopol” (of the 9K25 system) can also be launched, as well as the shorter “Krasnopol-M” which fits into the automatic loader.
Approximately 760 in service (including over 260 2S19M1 and over 210 2S19M2) and 270 more stored as of 2020. Msta-S howitzers were used by Russian Army to deliver artillery strikes against Chechen separatists during the Second Chechen War. Msta-S howitzers have also been used in the War in Donbass by the Ukrainian Army as well as pro-Russian separatists who captured one machine during the conflict. Russia recently offered its Msta-S 155mm Howitzer to foreign countries, particularly in the Middle East. A demonstration was organised in 2020 by Rosoboronexport, the country’s nodal agency for arms export, for representatives from various Middle Eastern countries.
