Ukrainian Forces Target Russian Rare 2S43 Malva Self-Propelled Howitzer in Kursk Region, Video

A unit of Ukrainian drone forces, Flying Skull, targeted a rare Russian 2S43 Malva self-propelled howitzer with two FPV drones in the Kursk region on December 19. The strike was documented in footage shared by Ukrainian activist and drone fundraiser Serhiy Sternenko.

According to reports, the unit operators intercepted the Russian 152mm artillery system while it was changing positions in Kursk region. The first drone hit the vehicle’s cabin, where the crew was located, but the howitzer continued its movement. A second drone targeted the artillery component of the system, hitting the munitions containers and the gun barrel.

2S43 Malva

The 2S43 Malva is a relatively new and rare artillery system, introduced into service by the Russian military in late 2023. The system was first detected in the war zone in June, when it was spotted by a long-range reconnaissance drone over Belgorod region. At that time, Ukrainian forces were unable to strike it.

Reports indicate that the vehicle is part of the 9th Artillery Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces.

The 2S43 Malva is a wheeled artillery system developed by the Central Research Institute Burevestnik in the 2010s as part of the Nabrosok design project. The system underwent testing in 2020.

It is equipped with a 152mm rifled gun, the 2A64, with a barrel length of 47 calibers, the same used in the Msta-S self-propelled howitzer and its towed version, the Msta-B. The Malva has a similar range to older Soviet systems, with standard high-explosive shells reaching 24.7 km and rocket-assisted projectiles extending to 29 km.

Mounted on a BAZ-6010-027 truck chassis, the 2S43 Malva is designed for faster production and reduced costs. Weighing 32 tons with a 30-round ammunition capacity, the Malva is about 25% lighter than the tracked Msta-S.

However, the system has limitations, including a basic fire control system and manual loading of ammunition. The howitzer has limited horizontal aiming angles and requires a flat surface for operation due to its inability to self-level.