Rostec has successfully delivered another batch of its 2S43 Malva 152mm self-propelled artillery howitzers to the troops, marking a significant milestone in Russia’s artillery modernization efforts. The Malva represents the first domestically produced wheeled howitzer built on the BAZ chassis with an 8×8 wheel configuration, offering a combination of extended range and reduced operating costs compared to traditional tracked howitzers. Designed for versatility and effectiveness, the Malva is capable of targeting and destroying command posts, fortified defensive structures, artillery and missile batteries, air defense positions, armored vehicle columns, and enemy personnel. One of its standout features is the “simultaneous fire raid” mode, enabling multiple shells fired at varying trajectories and speeds to strike a target simultaneously, thereby maximizing destructive impact.
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. 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.
Bekkhan Ozdoyev, Industrial Director of the Conventional Arms, Ammunition and Special Chemicals Complex at Rostec, highlighted the Malva’s superior maneuverability and rapid deployment capabilities. “One of the important advantages of the Malva self-propelled artillery gun is its improved maneuverability, as well as the speed of deployment and dismantling of positions, which is very important in the conditions of intense counter-battery combat in the special operation zone,” Ozdoyev stated. He also emphasized the howitzer’s simpler maintenance requirements compared to its tracked counterparts.
The 2S43 Malva boasts a rate of fire exceeding seven rounds per minute and a firing range of over 24 kilometers, with an ammunition capacity of up to 30 rounds. Its compact dimensions facilitate transport by military aircraft, including the Il-76, enabling rapid deployment over long distances to respond to evolving combat situations. In addition to its offensive capabilities, the Malva is equipped with a high-strength steel cabin armor, providing robust protection against small arms fire and shrapnel, ensuring the safety of its crew in hostile environments. As the conflict zones evolve, the Malva’s deployment underscores Russia’s commitment to enhancing its artillery’s operational efficiency and tactical flexibility. The introduction of this howitzer into the field is poised to provide the Russian military with a significant edge in counter-battery engagements and various combat scenarios.
