The power of Russia's super self-propelled artillery duo makes the US worried

The 2S19M2 and 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV complexes significantly increase the power of the Russian army, while the US army is still using artillery models from the 1960s.

The power of Russia's super self-propelled artillery duo makes the US worried

2S35 and 2S19M2 guns practice parade

The Russian Army began fielding a heavily upgraded version of the Msta-S self-propelled gun in mid-year, designated the 2S19M2. This variant will be used until the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled gun enters mass production. Both of these weapons represent a major step forward for Russian artillery, causing concern among many US military officials as the country still has to use an upgraded version of the M109 Paladin gun that was introduced in the 1960s, according to the National Interest.

"The artillery units of the Tamanskaya and Kantemirovskaya divisions have completed the delivery of new equipment and are ready to put them into combat readiness. The crews have completed the conversion process, while the new artillery systems will be placed in specially constructed areas," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The upgraded 2S19M2 self-propelled gun is equipped with a new automatic fire control system, increasing the rate of fire to 10 rounds/minute. The "simultaneous attack" mode allows each gun to fire multiple shells at different angles at a target, ensuring that all shells hit the target at the same time. The 2S19M2 version is also equipped with a digital map, helping to increase the speed of positioning in complex terrain and weather conditions.

The Msta-S uses a variety of camouflage systems to reduce heat radiation and radar reflectivity, including the Nakidka skin, which is designed to neutralize enemy precision-guided weapons systems. The crew also has more amenities than the older 2S19 versions, such as air conditioning for long-term cooling.

The standard 2S19M2 version has a maximum range of 25 km with standard high explosive fragmentation (HEF) ammunition and 29 km with rocket-powered extended-range ammunition. The system is also capable of using Krasnopol and Krasnopol-M smart artillery shells, which are not compatible with the loading system on the original 2S19 system. Each Krasnopol shell has a maximum range of up to 40 km, is laser-guided and is capable of hitting targets moving at a speed of 35 km/h.

The Koalitsiya-SV complex takes part in a rehearsal for the parade. Photo: Vitaly Kuzmin

Meanwhile, the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV system uses a 152 mm 2A88 gun, reaching a maximum range of 40 km with conventional ammunition and 70 km with smart ammunition, surpassing the 30 km range of the American M109 Paladin gun, the 40 km range of the British S90 Braveheart gun or the 35 km range of the French AMX AuF1t gun.

Thanks to the automatic loading system, the Koalitsiya-SV can reach a maximum firing rate of 15-20 rounds/minute, three times faster than the M109 Paladin model. In addition, the Russian self-propelled super gun is also equipped with a satellite navigation system and laser target designation. The high level of automation allows the Koalitsiya-SV gun to only need two to three people to operate, while the M109 Paladin gun crew needs up to 6 people.

The Koalitsiya-SV is expected to be based on the Armata chassis, similar to the T-14 tank and T-15 infantry fighting vehicle. However, due to the limited number of chassis produced, current Koalitsiya-SV systems are based on the T-90 tank chassis.

With the introduction of the 2S19M2 and 2S35 variants, the Russian Army will undergo a comprehensive upgrade, ensuring firepower for future battlefield missions. This will threaten US and NATO artillery, forcing the force to develop new projects to replace the old self-propelled artillery systems, military expert Dave Majumdar commented.

According to VNE