The Russian army is preparing to deploy the formidable “Malva” self-propelled howitzers to the battlefields in Ukraine. The Malva howitzers are expected to provide the Russian ground forces with enhanced maneuverability and better protection for soldiers’ lives.
According to Russian military experts speaking to “Sky News Arabia,” these howitzers are designed to destroy almost anything, enabling the Russian forces to operate with a flexible system that can quickly and effectively respond to all challenges and expand the capabilities of their ground troops.
The self-propelled “Malva” howitzers are the first of their kind in the Russian army and have successfully passed all tests, as reported by the Russian news agency “Sputnik” citing the press service of the “Rostec” corporation last weekend.
Alexander Potapov, the CEO of the Russian company “Uralvagonzavod,” specializing in military equipment manufacturing, had previously described the Malva as the “best howitzer” for their country’s forces in May.
Characteristics of the “Malva” howitzer:
– Self-propelled and faster compared to other artillery systems.
– Lower operating costs.
– Highly maneuverable, making it difficult to track.
– Much faster deployment, aiming, and firing compared to tracked howitzers.
– Able to travel on public roads without refueling for up to a thousand kilometers due to its powerful diesel engine and four-wheel drive.
– Provides high speed on highways and rough terrains.
– Mounted on an eight-wheeled amphibious vehicle, lightweight, and operational on all terrains.
– Requires about five crew members and can be easily transported by aircraft, including remote-controlled stations.
Firepower capabilities:
– Equipped with a 152mm caliber gun with a 47-caliber barrel and advanced recoil devices.
– Carries 30 rounds when loaded with ammunition.
– Maximum firing range exceeds 24 kilometers with conventional ammunition and a firing rate of 8 rounds per minute, the highest in artillery systems.
Creating Change:
According to the Russian military newspaper “Russkaya Gazeta,” the Malva howitzer represents a powerful addition to the Russian arsenal and a qualitative leap in military technology. Military expert Vladimir Igor estimates that this howitzer can “create change” on the battlefield in Ukraine due to its lightweight, maneuverability, swift mobility, and ability to conceal itself after striking its targets.
The advantages of the Malva howitzer and its carrying vehicle:
– It can be used to destroy enemy command centers, communication centers, artillery batteries, mortar shells, armored vehicles, air defense systems, ballistic missiles, and ground forces, according to Igor.
– The vehicle carrying the howitzer is highly reliable within the Russian army.
– It expands the combat capabilities of ground forces artillery units.
– Capable of fully utilizing its advantages and designed to complement traditional howitzers and solve certain combat tasks.
– Allows the forces to operate with a flexible system that can quickly and effectively respond to all major challenges.
A “Weapon that Destroys Almost Anything”:
Military historian Alexey Khlopotov added that the wheeled vehicles increase the artillery’s gains in wars, protect soldiers on the battlefield due to their mobility, agility, and ability to quickly maneuver and evade enemy fire. They can be used anywhere and function under any weather conditions.
The Malva howitzer is a modern and powerful weapon capable of destroying almost anything, with a shot containing several dozen projectiles.