First successes: self-propelled gun 2S43 “Malva” in Special Operations
The first high-quality photo of the Malva self-propelled joint stock company in the Special Operation zone. Photo Telegram / BMPD
Last year, the Russian defense industry completed the development and testing of the latest wheeled self-propelled artillery gun, the 2S43 Malva. After this, the self-propelled gun went into mass production, and then equipment of this type ended up in the Special Operations area. During combat operations, self-propelled guns of a new type confirm the calculated parameters, show their characteristic advantages, and also help achieve common goals.
From the training ground to the front
The promising SAO Malva was developed at the end of the last decade at the Burevestnik Central Research Institute, part of the Uralvagonzavod Scientific and Production Corporation (part of the Rostec state corporation). Over the past few years, the prototype equipment has been tested and fine-tuned. In May last year, the UVZ corporation reported the successful completion of these activities. Later, at the forumArmy-2023”, the Ministry of Defense issued it a contract for the production and supply of serial self-propelled guns of a new type.
News the completion of testing and the order for production allowed us to assume that in the near future “Mallows” would appear in the zone of the Special Operation to protect Donbass. Soon the first rumors and unconfirmed data appeared about the deployment of new equipment among the troops and the beginning of its combat use.
2C43 is in position. Still from video from Telegram / "Army Vedler"
In mid-November, on the eve of Artillery Day, the Defense Ministry newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda published an interview with the head of the missile troop and artillery of the ground forces, Lieutenant General Dmitry Klimenko. In particular, the conversation touched upon the issue of new models. The commander said that several new systems, including the SAO "Malva", are undergoing combat testing as part of the Special Operation. Without going into details, General Klimenko indicated that the products confirm their high tactical and technical characteristics.
Unfortunately, at that time everything was limited only to messages from officials and organizations. Any details of the use of new technology, video materials, etc. were not published. In this regard, the situation changed only in 2024.
Self-propelled guns in battle
During the first months of this year, various resources repeatedly mentioned the presence of the self-propelled gun 2S43 in the Special Operation zone. Photographs were also published that allegedly depicted “Mallows,” but the quality of the images did not allow this technique to be clearly recognized. However, news and photos of this kind did not contradict already known information from official sources.
Combat work in the Kharkov direction. Still from a report by E. Poddubny
At the beginning of June, the first relatively high-quality photo of the Malva product in the combat zone was distributed among specialized resources. The photo was taken by an unknown UAV in the Kharkov direction. A wheeled self-propelled gun from one of the artillery units of the Sever group of forces was caught in the frame. She was in a firing position in a combat position, and the crew was preparing to fire.
Literally the next day, the first video was published demonstrating the combat operation of the 2S43. A short video showed the firing of a shot. It was reported that the video was filmed in the Kharkov direction, but no other details were provided.
Also in early June, the famous war correspondent Yevgeny Poddubny published a full-fledged report about the Malva and its crew. The material included interesting footage of the transfer of equipment, preparation for shooting and firing. They also showed a video from a UAV that carried out reconnaissance, target designation and monitoring the results of the shooting. Interviews with members of the SAO crew are also of interest.
Preparing to shoot. Still from a report by E. Poddubny
Self-propelled guns are used to strike various enemy targets, from strongholds to crossings. At the same time, high mobility and speed of reaching a position are demonstrated. Due to the newness of the technology, minor problems arise. However, representatives of the manufacturer are working in the combat zone, ready to take all necessary measures.
At the end of June, the Rostec state corporation announced the transfer of a batch of new self-propelled guns 2S43 to the armed forces. Apparently, this is already a serial equipment, manufactured in accordance with last year’s order. If this is so, then we should expect that the fleet of new self-propelled guns will now constantly be replenished and grow, which will have a positive impact on the potential of military and military forces as a whole.
The combat use of equipment is associated with known risks and threats. In mid-July, photographs of the Malva self-propelled gun from the Sever group, which came under attack from the MLRS or HIMARS MLRS, became publicly available. The enemy used the M30A1 GMLRS missile with ready-made submunitions in the form of tungsten balls.
Operator-gunner at work. Still from a report by E. Poddubny
The missile literally showered the self-propelled gun with damaging elements. They damaged various structural elements of the self-propelled gun, and also entered the armor and glazing. However, the combat vehicle did not receive serious damage. The crew in the armored cabin were also not injured. After minor repairs, Malva could return to service and continue combat work.
Benefits shown
From the available data it follows that the new self-propelled guns 2S43 Malva appeared in the Special Operation zone no later than the summer-autumn of 2023 - almost a year ago. So far, we are probably talking about a limited number of self-propelled guns, but they also contribute to the overall results. In addition, this technique helps to gain the necessary experience and demonstrates your real capabilities and overall potential.
All the main technical features and expected advantages of Malva are well known. Thus, a wheeled multi-axle chassis should provide high mobility and mobility, a unified artillery unit provides fire characteristics no worse than those of other modern domestic systems, and a modern fire control system makes fuller use of the gun’s potential. In addition, measures have been taken to protect key units and combat crews.
SAO 2S43 after shelling by MLRS / HIMARS. Damage is minimal. Photo Telegram / BMPD
In general, the 2S43 product has already demonstrated all the main features and advantages. Thus, the possibility of quickly transferring self-propelled guns along roads with subsequent access to off-road conditions and placement of a firing position “in the field” is confirmed. The ability to quickly move into a traveling position and leave the position is also shown.
The Malva combat vehicle carries a 152 mm 2A64 howitzer. Also, the same weapon with similar controls is used on the 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled gun. This howitzer allows you to hit various targets over a wide range of ranges and uses different types of ammunition. The potential of the 2A64 product has already been shown by older types of self-propelled guns, and the new 2S43 now only confirms already known data.
During the development of Malva, measures were taken to protect the crew and key components. Recently, the armored cabin of one of the self-propelled guns faced a real threat and showed its potential. She successfully dealt with a large number of spherical carbide GGEs and saved the crew. Self-propelled gun armor should also protect against bullets of different calibers and “ordinary” shell fragments.
A design element with a striking ball. Photo Telegram / BMPD
First successes
Thus, over the past few years, a new domestic self-propelled artillery gun on a wheeled chassis has successfully gone all the way from development and testing to military use and combat use. The 2S43 “Malva” products are already participating in the Special Operation and, together with other artillery systems, successfully solve the problem of fire destruction of the enemy.
Even at the development stage, it became known that Malva has a number of characteristic features that will help it perform tasks or give it advantages over other equipment. Available information about the participation of such self-propelled guns in the Special Operation shows the correctness of the decisions made and the receipt of very interesting results. It is obvious that the further production of new self-propelled guns and the continued re-equipment of combat units will have a positive impact on the potential of the missile defense forces as a whole.
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