Msta-S

Russia’s principal 152 mm tracked self-propelled howitzer — the 2S19, with autoloader and T-80-based chassis, fielded since 1989 and the most heavily committed modern Russian SP gun in the war in Ukraine.

Overview

The 2S19 Msta-S (the “S” denotes samokhodnaya, self-propelled) is a tracked, 152 mm howitzer that forms the backbone of Russian divisional artillery. Designed to replace the 2S3 Akatsiya, it pairs the 2A64 ordnance with a T-80 running gear and T-72 power pack, giving it reasonable cross-country mobility and an autoloader that supports a burst rate of fire of up to eight rounds per minute. The modernized 2S19M2/2S33 “Msta-SM2” adds a digital automatic fire-control system and improved navigation.

Development

The system was developed by the Uraltransmash design bureau (part of Uralvagonzavod) with the 152 mm 2A64 gun produced by the Barrikady plant in Volgograd. It was accepted into Soviet service in 1989, as recorded in the Army Guide entry for the 2S19 Army Guide. Serial production began at the Sterlitamak machine-building plant, and the type gradually superseded the older 2S3 in Russian motor-rifle and tank divisions.

🔒 The rest of the Msta-S file is for BattlePolicy Pro members. Stop here and you miss the part that actually matters: how it performs and where it falls short, its combat record, how it stacks up head-to-head against its real counterparts, the complete specifications table, and our analysts’ procurement, supplier and assessment notes. Unlock the full file with BattlePolicy Pro →