UVZ upgrades STANAG-compatible 2S19M1-155 155 mm howitzer

Russia’s Uralvagonzavod (UVZ: a subsidiary of state corporation Rostec) has upgraded its STANAG-compatible 2S19M1-155 Msta-S 155 mm self-propelled howitzer (SPH), a spokesperson for Rostec told Jane’s on 25 March.

“The modernised 2S19M1-155 has received a fully automated fire-control system, which can receive target data from an Orlan-10 tactical unmanned aerial vehicle. The organic 840hp engine has been replaced by an engine with a power output of 1,000hp,” the spokesperson said, adding that the modernisation has brought the SPH’s manoeuvrability “to the level of a main battle tank”.

The upgraded artillery system has received a satellite navigation unit, improved ballistic computer, and thermal imager coupled to a laser rangefinder. “The renewed SPH features a fully automated loading system,” said a spokesperson, noting that the original 2S19M1-155 had automated loading of only warheads (the propellant charges were previously laid in manually). The loading process of the updated SPH is controlled via a separate subsystem.

The upgraded 2S19M1-155 155 mm self-propelled howitzer. (Rostec)

The updated 2S19M1-155 is also equipped with “a modern communications suite”, an auxiliary power unit, and observation devices, the spokesperson said. The SPH weighs 43 tonnes and its 155 mm L/52 gun produces a sustained firing rate of up to 8 rds/min and a maximum firing range of more than 40 km. It is capable of firing both STANAG-compatible and Russian-made 155 mm ammunition, including the Krasnopol-M2 155 mm guided artillery projectile.

The modernised 2S19M1-155 is intended to engage traditional targets but the spokesperson said it could also “hit naval surface targets in a cost-effective manner. The SPH is ready to open fire in 30 seconds after initial deployment and it fires round-the-clock at temperatures between -50°C and 50°C.”