The first modernized self-propelled artillery mount 2S7M Malka with a 203 mm caliber gun was transferred to the Russian Armed Forces. This was reported in the state corporation "Rostec". 

Uraltransmash JSC, part of the Uralvagonzavod NPK of Rostec state corporation, supplied the first modernized self-propelled gun 2S7M Malka to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. The updated equipment received a new chassis and electronics, as a result of which its tactical and technical characteristics were seriously increased, ”the message on the corporation’s website says.  

The Rostec said that the Malka passed the full test cycle. The characteristics of mobility, wear resistance of the chassis, power plant and transmission were checked. In addition, the reliability of loading and fire control mechanisms and the strength of the 2A44 gun were tested. 

“This is one of the most powerful self-propelled guns in the world, designed to destroy important targets and targets of the enemy in the tactical depth of defense behind the front line. At the moment, the supply of upgraded guns in the interests of the Ministry of Defense has started. Uraltransmash has a serious task to carry out a serial modernization of this product within the framework of the state defense order for 2020-2022, ”the Rostec website quotes Dmitry Semizorov, General Director of Uraltransmash. 

In an interview with RT, a military expert, retired colonel Viktor Litovkin noted that the updated Malka will increase the combat effectiveness of the Russian Armed Forces 

“There is a new guidance system, range calculation, shooting directions, communications with satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as automated shot preparation. In addition, the Malka has a new engine and chassis. Many features have been improved. Now it is a modern weapon that will significantly strengthen the Russian artillery units, ”said the expert.  

Especially Litovkin emphasized improving the firing accuracy of the modernized Malki.  

“To strike in the tactical depths of the enemy’s defense, you need to get the exact coordinates of the target and carry out calculations for shooting. Now “Malka”, coupled with drones and an electronic computer center, is able to solve these problems faster and more efficiently, ”he explained.

Nuclear artillery  

"Malka" was created on the basis of the self-propelled artillery mount "Peony", which was adopted in the mid-1970s.

The development of "Peony" was carried out by specialists of the Kirov plant in Leningrad. This machine is still considered one of the most powerful in the world. 

"Peony" was developed during the Cold War to suppress enemy rear lines and destroy critical facilities, including tactical nuclear weapons delivery vehicles. Self-propelled guns can fire high-explosive, cluster and concrete-piercing munitions, as well as nuclear weapons developed for it in 1977. 

  • SAU 2S7 "Peony"
  • RIA News
  • © Vadim Savitsky

The design of the “Peony” is made according to a reckless scheme on a chassis specially developed for this self-propelled guns, which was as much as possible unified in production with the tanks in service. The gun and folding coulter are located in the rear of the hull.  

A crew of seven is reliably protected from enemy fire and the consequences of the use of weapons of mass destruction. 

In the early 1980s, the Soviet government ordered the start of development work to improve the "Peony". Their result was self-propelled guns 2S7M Malka. It was adopted in 1986.  

“Engineers were able to find a huge amount of modernization reserve at Pion, which made it possible to improve its tactical and technical characteristics in many areas,” military observer Viktor Baranets said in a conversation with RT 

Compared to its predecessor, the Malki had an increased rate of fire (from 1.5 rounds per minute to 2.5), and also reduced the time it was put into combat position (from ten to seven minutes). 

In addition, Viktor Baranets recalls, “Malka” received a new engine, which was more powerful than the “Peony” power plant.  

“Despite the serious weight, with a new 840-horsepower engine, the car can reach speeds of over 50 km / h on the highway. At that time, the aiming system was radically improved, ”the expert added. 

“In addition, a special mechanized apparatus was installed on the Malka, which allows loading the cannon directly from the transport vehicle. This significantly increased the reload speed, which is fundamentally important for artillery. Moreover, automation of some processes at Malka allowed reducing the crew from seven to six people, ”the expert added. 

The main weapon of the SAU 2S7M is a rifled gun 2A44 203 mm caliber. This gun can fire shells weighing up to 110 kg at a distance of 47.5 km. 

According to Uraltransmash, the current work on the modernization of Malki affected primarily the equipment of the machine. New power supply units, a gearbox, intercoms, a radio station, data reception and processing equipment, a complex of anti-nuclear protection and surveillance systems were installed on the howitzer. 

Unique weapon 

Experts believe that the Malka 2S7M self-propelled guns can be confidently called the best in the class of 203-mm guns. The closest analogue to it is the American self-propelled howitzer M110. It is significantly inferior to the "Peony" and "Malka" in firing range, ammunition and engine power. 

M110 was actively used by the US Army during the Vietnam War, as well as the fighting in the Persian Gulf, but was withdrawn from service in 1994.

  • Self-propelled artillery "Malka"
  • RIA News
  • © Mikhail Voskresensky

Today, their main operators are Turkey, Jordan, Greece, Egypt and Japan. Despite the fact that in the USA they decided to abandon the M110 in favor of a single 155 mm artillery caliber, Russian experts believe that the 203 mm caliber guns have not lost their relevance.  

“In modern warfare, the time of artillery has not passed and is unlikely to ever pass. The deeper the Malka will shoot through the battlefield, hit the enemy’s positions to a greater depth, the easier it will be for other combat arms, ”Baranets emphasized.  

Artillery of high power and firing range protects the lives of military personnel conducting defensive and offensive operations, a military expert added.  

“This gun significantly increases the combat power of artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. I am sure that the updated Malka will appear in all military districts. We can assume that the Russian army has a more powerful artillery gun, which no army of the world has an analogue yet, ”concluded Viktor Baranets.