The 2S19 "Msta-S" is a 152.4 mm self-propelled howitzer designed by Soviet Union, which entered service in 1989 as the successor to the 2S3 Akatsiya. The vehicle is based on the T-80 tank hull, but is powered by the T-72's diesel engine.
Development
The Msta is a modern howitzer designed for deployment either as an unarmored towed gun, or to be fitted in armored self-propelled artillery mountings. Current production of the towed model is designated Msta-B, while the self-propelled model is the Msta-S. Development of the 2S19 started in 1980 under the project name Ferma. The prototype was known as Ob'yekt 316. The 2S19's standard equipment consists of a semi-automatic laying system 1P22, an automatic loader, an NBC protection system, passive night vision device for the driver, a wading kit, a dozer blade, a smoke generator and 81mm smoke launchers, 1V116 intercom system and a 16 kW generator AP-18D. In 2008 the Russian armed forces ordered an improved model with an automated fire control system. The 2A64 ordnance of the 2S19 can fire the following types of ammunition, among others: HE, HEAT-FS, HE-BB, HERA, smoke, chemical, tactical nuclear, illumination and cargo. The laser-guided round “Krasnopol” can also be launched, as well as the shorter "Krasnopol-M” which fits into the automatic loader.
- Approximately 730 in service and 270 more stored as of 2019. 550 2S19 and 2S19M1, 108 2S19M2 since 2014. 42 2S19M2 on order since 2016. Deliveries of Msta-SMs are underway and several dozens have been delivered.
- 40
- 57.
- Received an undisclosed number of Msta-S.
Russia recently offered its Msta-S 155mm Howitzer to foreign countries, particularly in the Middle East. A demonstration was organised by Rosoboronexport in 2020, the country's nodal agency for arms export, for representatives from various Middle Eastern countries.
1K17 Szhatie - a "laser tank" armed with a battery of lasers meant to disable optoelectronic systems; uses Msta-S chassis and turret.
2S19M1 - Improved version with automatic laying system and Glonass.
2S19M2 or 2S33 "Msta-SM2" - Improved version currently in production equipped with a new automatic firecontrol system which increases the rate of fire. Digital electronic maps are now available which significantly speeds up the terrain orientation in difficult geographical conditions and allows performing faster and more efficiently firing missions. Russians say that its range is up to 80 km.
2S19M1-155 - 155mm export version of the 2S19M1, fitted with an L/52 gun with a range of 40+ km. Modernized in 2020.
2S27 "Msta-K" - Wheeled variant, based on a 8x8 truck chassis. There were several different prototypes, including one based on a KrAZ-ChR-3130 and two based on the Ural-5323.
2S30 "Iset" - Improved version, prototype only.
2S35 "Koalitsiya-SV" - Project for a new artillery system for the Russian land forces. Early prototypes consisted of a 2S19 chassis with modified turret, fitted with an over-and-under dual autoloaded 152mm howitzer. Development of this variant was abandoned in favour of an entirely new artillery system using the same designation.
