Ukraine’s FPV Drones Burn Rare Russian 2S43 Malva, One of Moscow’s Newest Howitzers, Video

Ukrainian FPV drone operators destroyed a Russian 2S43 Malva, one of Moscow’s relatively rare new wheeled self-propelled howitzers, the 22nd Separate Mechanized Brigade reported on September 4.

Ukrainian reconnaissance first located the Russian artillery system before FPV crews were directed toward the target. Several drones subsequently struck the Malva, destroying the vehicle.

The 2S43 Malva is a 152mm self-propelled howitzer mounted on an 8×8 wheeled chassis. Russia began serial deliveries of the system to its military in late 2023, introducing it as a more mobile alternative to heavier tracked artillery.

At around 32 metric tons, the Malva can reach speeds of approximately 50 mph and travel up to roughly 620 miles without refueling. It carries a five-person crew and up to 30 artillery rounds.

Its primary weapon is the 152mm 2A64 gun, the same type used by Russia’s tracked 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzer. With standard ammunition, the gun has an effective range of roughly 15 miles.

The wheeled chassis allows the Malva to move between firing positions more quickly than many traditional tracked artillery systems, an increasingly important capability on a battlefield where drones can locate artillery shortly after it opens fire.

But the system remains relatively scarce. Open-source estimates indicate that only a few dozen Malvas have entered Russian service, making each confirmed loss particularly notable as Moscow continues introducing the relatively new platform.

Ukrainian units have previously targeted Malvas with drones, gradually adding the system to the growing list of modern Russian artillery vulnerable to FPV strikes.

The 22nd Brigade marked the latest loss with a play on the howitzer’s floral name.

“The ‘Malvas’ by the house will bloom no more,” the brigade said.

Previously, Ukrainian FPV drone operators from the MARA Unmanned Systems Battalion destroyed what the 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade described as possibly one of the last Russian infantry fighting vehicles remaining in its area of responsibility on the Lyman front.

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