After completing the testing phase last May, now there is the latest news, namely that Rostec as the Russian technology industry group, has sent the first batch (wave) of the 2S43 Malva 8×8 Self Propelled Howitzer (tire wheels) to the Russian military. Delivery of 2S43 Malva 8×8 to the Russian Army was reported by the Russian News Agency Tass – tass.com (26/10/2023).
“It is an advanced and powerful weapon that can destroy almost any target with high-explosive fragmentation ammunition at a distance of more than 24 km. "This wheeled Self Propelled Howitzer (SPH) has a firing rate of more than 7 ammunition per minute and carries an ammunition load of up to 30 rounds in one operation," said Rostec Industry Director for the Conventional Arms, Ammunition and Special Chemicals Group, Bekkhan Ozdoyev.
The Russian Ministry of Defense signed a contract for the acquisition of 2S43 Malva 8×8 at the Army 2023 arms exhibition last August. This self-propelled howitzer is part of a research and development project known as “Nabrosok”.
The first design of the 2S43 Malva began in 2019. In 2021, the Malva's effectiveness was confirmed as part of the chief designer's trials which met the tactical and technical requirements of the assignment. The Malva trial continues until the end of 2022. (Gilang Perdana)
From the specifications, the 2S43 Malva 8×8 is a 152 mm caliber artillery system built on the chassis of the BAZ-6610-027 8×8 “Voschina” all-wheel-drive vehicle produced by the Bryansk Auto Plant.
The 2S43 Malva was designed by the “Burevestnik” Central Scientific Research Institute in Nizhny Novgorod.
The main innovation of the 2S43 Malva project was the use of a wheeled chassis, which had the same armament and combat capabilities as the Msta-S, but was significantly lighter and more mobile than the 2S19 Msta-S tracked self-propelled howitzer.
As a weapon system, the 2S43 Malva has a firing range of 24.5 km, and a rate of fire of up to 7 rounds per minute. Operated by a crew of 5, Malva can carry a total of 30 munitions at a time. The dimensions of the vehicle are 13 meters long, 2.75 meters wide and 3.1 meters high, with a total weight of 32 tonnes.
The SPH with Malva tires can cover a distance of 1,000 km on public roads without refueling thanks to its all-wheel drive and powerful diesel engine, and has cross-country capability. The 2S43 Malva can be transported in the cargo hold of the Il-76 military transport aircraft.
