Rostec has delivered a batch of the new 152-mm self-propelled wheeled howitzers, the “Malva,” to Russian military units. These howitzers offer superior maneuverability compared to their tracked counterparts, boast a greater technical lifespan, and are more cost-effective to operate. The Malva is engineered to eliminate command posts, fortifications, artillery and missile batteries, air defense systems, armored columns, and enemy personnel. Developed by the Central Institute of Research Burevestnik in Nizhny Novgorod under the Nabrosok program, the Malva introduces a revolutionary eight-wheel AWD chassis, enhancing mobility and reducing weight while maintaining combat capabilities. The wheeled chassis is also less costly to produce and maintain, and the system is manufactured by Uraltransmash, a division of Uralvagonzavod.
The Malva is built on the BAZ-6610-02 “Voshchina” chassis from the Bryansk Automobile Plant, featuring an 8×8 wheel arrangement. It carries at least 30 rounds of ammunition and can travel up to 1,000 kilometers on public roads without refueling. Its all-wheel drive and powerful diesel engine ensure it can navigate challenging off-road terrain with ease. Equipped with a 152 mm 2A64 cannon, the Malva has an effective range of 24.5 kilometers and offers a gun elevation of +70°, depression of -3°, and an azimuth of ±30°. Some reports suggest it might also be fitted with the 2A88 cannon, used by the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV. The howitzer’s cabin is armored to protect against small arms fire and shrapnel, and it has an operational mass of 32 tons, making it significantly more mobile than heavier tracked artillery like the 42-ton 2S19 Msta.
The Malva can be transported by military aircraft, fitting within the cargo hold of an Il-76, allowing for rapid long-distance deployment. Its wheeled design allows for quicker positioning and targeting compared to traditional towed artillery. Following the establishment of technical and tactical requirements in 2021, testing of the Malva began the same year and concluded on May 17, 2023. The first batch was delivered to the Russian army on October 26, 2023, with a second batch arriving in June 2024. An aerial image from June 2, 2024, confirmed the deployment of the 2S43 Malva in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict, although details on the number of units in use and their operational roles remain scarce.
