Ukraine Unveils Msta-S Howitzer Merged With T-72 Tank Turret in Unique Battlefield Upgrade

Ukrainian forces have combined the chassis of a 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzer with the turret of a T-72B tank, creating a hybrid armored vehicle designed to meet the realities of the current battlefield.

According to Defense Express on August 12, the adaptation makes use of available components from damaged Russian-origin equipment that cannot be fully restored.

The Msta-S chassis is based on the T-80 platform and uses an engine from the T-72, providing mobility comparable to main battle tanks. The T-72B turret, in this case stripped of dynamic protection and advanced optics, offers the capability to mount a tank gun for indirect fire missions.

On today’s front lines, tanks are often used from prepared positions for indirect fire support rather than direct assaults, due to the widespread use of drones and the static nature of many engagements.

A hybrid vehicle equipped with a tank gun and anti-drone protection can perform these fire support roles effectively, even with lighter armor than a full main battle tank.

While the gun has not yet been installed on the prototype, the configuration allows for further adaptation. In addition to serving as a firing platform, the modified chassis could be repurposed as an armored recovery vehicle, engineering vehicle, or transporter — roles previously assigned to converted artillery systems.

The project demonstrates how Ukrainian military specialists are using available resources to maintain and expand combat capabilities, ensuring that even heavily damaged equipment can be transformed into functional assets for the battlefield.

Earlier, Forbes reported on January 12 that Ukrainian forces may have gained localized tank superiority over Russia for the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion, aided by extensive drone use and effective electronic warfare.

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