2S43 Malva Russian 152mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
2S43 Malva
Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
Other
Basic Information
Name
2S43 Malva Russian 152mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
Designation
2S43 Malva
Alternate Designation
2S43 Malva
Equipment Type
Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
Manufacturer
Central Research Institute Burevestnik
Date of Introduction
2023
Description
The 2S43 Malva Russian 152mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) is built on an 8×8 wheeled chassis from the Bryansk Automobile Plant, This 152mm artillery system was developed as part of the "Nabrosok" research and development initiative. The howitzer employs a 152mm rifled barrel, known as the 2A64, with a barrel length of 47 calibers, similar to the existing 2S19 "Msta-S" self-propelled howitzer. Compared to tracked artillery systems, the wheeled Malva offers enhanced maneuverability, extended lifespan, and reduced operating costs. The system also minimizes the time required for setup, relocation, and target identification relative to its towed or tracked counterparts.
Ground Specifications
Crew
5
Mobility Type
Wheeled (8x8)
Engine
Diesel (470 hp)
Max Speed
80.0 km/h
Range
1000.0 km
Variant
2S44 Giatsint-K Russian 152mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
The 2S44 Giatsint-K Russian 152mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) is an advanced derivative of the 2S43 Malva self-propelled howitzer, sharing the same BAZ-6910-027 Voschina 8×8 wheeled chassis but mounting a significantly more capable gun system. Designed primarily for long-range, flat-trajectory counter-battery fire rather than the high-angle indirect fire typical of howitzers. The 2S44 was developed as a rapid battlefield modification of the 2S43 Malva platform. The 2S43 Malva entered small-scale production in 2023 and was equipped with the 152mm/47-caliber 2A64 cannon, originally used in the 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzer. However, the 2A64's 16-liter charge chamber limited its maximum firing range to approximately 24–25 km with standard ammunition. This was significantly inferior to modern Western 155mm/52-caliber howitzers (CAESAR, Archer, PzH 2000), which typically achieve 30–32 km with standard shells. On February 12, 2025, Bekhan Ozdoev, industrial director of the weapons cluster at Rostec, confirmed in an interview with RIA Novosti that the Giatsint-K was created by modifying the Malva platform in direct response to combat experience in Ukraine. The 2S43 Malva evidently did not fully meet the Russian Army's range requirements against NATO-standard artillery. The Russian military appears to intend for both the 2S43 and 2S44 to serve side by side. The 2S43 retains compatibility with the widely available Msta-series ammunition logistics and is suited for general fire support missions. The 2S44 provides extended range and is optimized for counter-battery fire and standoff engagements against long-range Western artillery. This dual-system approach reflects a pragmatic adaptation—using available 2A36 barrels to quickly field a longer-range capability while maintaining the 2S43 for broader logistical compatibility.
System
Alternative Designation
2S43 Malva
Type
Self-Propelled Howitzer
Caliber
152 mm
Manufacturer
OAO Central Research Institute BUREVESTNIK
Chassis
BAZ-6910-027 Voschina 8×8 wheeled chassis
Configuration
8x8
Crew
5 ea
Airlift Capability
The system can be airlifted using an Il-76 transport aircraft, facilitating quick deployment over long distances.
Dimensions
Length
13.0 m
Width
2.75 m
Height
3.1 m
Weight, Combat
32 tons
Automotive
Engine Name
YaMZ-8424.10
Engine Type
Diesel
Engine Power
470 hp
Maximum Range
1,000 km
Maximum Speed
80 km/h
Amphibious
No
Gradient
60%
Side Slope
40%
Vertical Step
0.6 m
Trench
2.0 m
Fording
1.4 m
Main Weapon System
System
Name
2A64
Type
Howitzer
Caliber
152 mm
Barrel Length
47 calibers
Elevation Range
- 3 to + 70 degrees
Traverse Range
60 degrees
Maximum Rate of Fire
7 rpm
Maximum Firing Range
24.5 km
Note
The 2S43 Malva Russian 152mm Self-Propelled Howitzer has the ability to execute Multiple Rounds of Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) missions. In this mode, multiple shells are launched at the same time to hit a target simultaneously. The onboard equipment simplifies ammunition management and includes an automated fire control system. The howitzer also comes equipped with an autonomous power source that provides electricity when stationary.
Ammunition
Type
Shell
Caliber
152 mm
Shell Weight
43 kg
Basic Load
A total of 30 shells with associated charges are carried for the main gun.
Fire Control System
Note
Both the 2S43 and 2S44 are equipped with automated fire control systems (ASUNO), including: High-precision navigation systems; Automated firing data calculation; Digital communications; Satellite communication capabilities; Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) capability. The high level of automation allows the crew to occupy a firing position, fire, and withdraw within 2–3 minutes, reducing vulnerability to counter-battery fire.
Protection
Hull Armor
The Vehicle has an armored cab. Cab armor provides protection of the crew against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters.
Applique Armor
No
Explosive Reactive Armor
No
NBC Protection
INA
Smoke Equipment
No
Image Sources
Notes
https://defence-blog.com/russian-army-awards-contract-for-malva-truck-mounted-artillery/; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2S43_Malva; https://mil.in.ua/en/news/russian-federation-completed-the-test-of-the-2s43-malva-self-propelled-guns/https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.blogspot.com/2021/02/army-heyday-of-malva-howitzer.html;
Details
Country of Origin
Russia
Category
Self-Propelled Gun/Howitzer Artillery Systems
Land > Artillery > Self-Propelled Gun/Howitzer Artillery Systems
Filter Label
2
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
13 m
Width
2.75 m
Height
3.1 m
Weight
32000 kg
Operators (1)
Russia
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