Russia Completes Tests Of New Malva 152 MM Howitzer
The state tests of the latest 2S43 Malva self-propelled howitzer confirmed its designed characteristics, chief executive officer of the Uralvagonzavod defense manufacturer, a part of the state tech corporation Rostec, Alexander Potapov told TASS on the sideline of the MILEX 2023 international arms show in Minsk on May 17.
The Malva is based on the BAZ-6010-027 8×8 special wheeled chassis and armed with the 2A88 152 mm gun, which has a firing range of more than 24 kilometers. The howitzers’ rate of fire is up to seven rounds per minute. A total of 30 rounds are typically carried by the howitzer.
“Yes, the Malva is set for its delivery soon. Everything is alright with the Malva and it has confirmed all the characteristics,” the chief executive said, responding to a question about whether the howitzer had undergone state tests.
The Uralvagonzavod chief went on to describe the new howitzer, which reportedly completed state tests las year, as “the best vehicle.”
The wheeled chassis of the Malva allows it to self-deploy over long distances without the need of a semi-trailer. In addition, the howitzer is more cost-efficient to maintain and to operate than other Russian artillery systems, based on tracked chassis. Though it loses in terms of off-road performance to these systems.
Russia launched the production of an experimental batch of Malva howitzers last August. It remain unclear however when the howitzer will enter service with the Russian military.
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