Russia's new 2S43 Malva Howitzer struggles with range issues
In early June 2024, a new howitzer gun—2S43 Malva—was observed in the Russian army's service. This equipment lags behind similar weapons used by NATO and Ukraine, which is why the Russians have already had to start working on an improved version.
A Ukrainian drone detected the 2S43 Malva howitzer gun belonging to the 9th Artillery Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Russian army in the Belgorod region. This is the first documented case of using this weapon near the Ukrainian front. Although the Russians began incorporating it into service in 2023, and it has more to offer than post-Soviet artillery, it does not impress in range.
The 2S43 Malva has too short a range
As noted by Defence Express, a portal specializing in military topics, the performance of the 2S43 Malva falls short of NATO artillery weapons. With standard 152mm shells, the 2S43 Malva can hit targets at a distance of up to about 26 kilometres. Ukrainian journalists emphasized that this is not competitive with similar Western self-propelled artillery systems.
We remind you that in the case of Polish AHS Krab howitzers, highly praised by Ukrainians, the firing range reaches about 40 kilometres. Similar capabilities are provided by the French CAESAR and only slightly less by the German PzH 2000, with a range of about 35 kilometres. Using more advanced ammunition, NATO artillery can attack even further. So far, the Russians have not approached similar achievements.
No wonder, as the Ukrainians emphasize, that in introducing the 2S43 Malva howitzer gun into service, the Russians mainly boast of its high mobility and the presence of the MRSI mode. According to the manufacturer, the 2S43 Malva crew can move this equipment up to 80 kilometres per hour, relying on a range of up to 1100 kilometres.
The Howitzer also provides a reasonable rate of fire, up to seven rounds per minute, but the Russians are focusing on the range during work on the modernized version of the 2S43 Malva.
Vladimir Artyakov, director of the Russian defence holding Rostec, said that currently, a modernized version of the Malva with increased range is being developed. Russians will have something that can counter the long-range Western Howitzers currently supplied to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
It is estimated that the range of the 2S43 Malva will be increased to about 45 kilometres in cooperation with Krasnopol-D shells.
