New Russian 152mm Self-Propelled Howitzer Unveiled for First Time

The 2S43 "Malva" 8×8 vehicle can fire over 8 rounds per minute, more than other artillery systems 

The Defence Blog website has published a picture of Russia's new 152mm "Malva" wheeled self-propelled howitzer. It was the first picture of the secretly-developed artillery system to be released. The picture was provided by the Burevestnik Central Research Institute, part of the Uralvagonzavod defense contractor within the state hi-tech corporation Rostec.

The 2S43 "Malva", a system based on the BAZ-6010 8×8 chassis, is designated to destroy a potential enemy’s command posts, communications centers, artillery and mortar batteries, armor, anti-tank weapons, air and ballistic missile defense systems and manpower.

The Malva is armed with a 152mm gun that can fire over 8 rounds per minute, more than other artillery systems. This rate of fire is ensured by the special design of the gun-loading mechanism. The howitzer’s weapon suite also includes a remotely-controlled station. The new artillery system is lighter, more mobile and easier to be transported by aircraft than other systems, which expands the range of its missions and increases the speed of its operations.