Overview

The 2S19 "Msta-S" (Msta River) is a Russian 152mm self-propelled howitzer combining the ballistic performance of the 2A64 gun with a heavily armored tracked chassis derived from the T-80 main battle tank. Entering service in 1989, the 2S19 represents a generational leap over earlier Soviet self-propelled artillery, offering sustained high rates of fire (8 rounds/minute), extended range (24.7 km standard, 29 km with rocket-assisted projectiles), automated fire control, and full NBC protection.

The system serves as the backbone of Russian artillery brigades and has been exported to numerous nations. Its combat record spans Chechen conflicts, the 2008 Russo-Georgian War, and extensive use in the Ukraine conflict (2022-present), where it provides long-range indirect fire support for Russian ground operations.

Historical context

Soviet artillery doctrine traditionally emphasized massed indirect fire to overwhelm NATO defenses. By the 1970s, the 2S3 "Akatsiya" 152mm SPH represented the standard divisional artillery, but advances in Western systems (M109A2, PzH 2000) demonstrated superior fire control, range, and automation.

In 1976, the Uraltransmash design bureau began development of "Object 316" under chief designer Yuri Tomashov, with requirements:

  • 152mm caliber: Maintain compatibility with existing Soviet ammunition stockpiles
  • 24+ km range: Match/exceed NATO 155mm systems
  • 8 rounds/minute: Sustained rate of fire
  • Chassis commonality: Leverage T-80 production for simplified logistics
  • Automated loading: Reduce crew fatigue, enable rapid fire missions

The first prototype completed testing in 1985, with State acceptance trials in 1989. Initial production began at Uraltransmash (Yekaterinburg) in 1989, with full-scale manufacturing ramping up by 1992.

The 2S19 designation follows Soviet artillery nomenclature:

  • 2: Self-propelled artillery
  • S: Samokhódnaya (self-propelled)
  • 19: Design sequence number

NATO assigned the reporting name "Farm" (later rarely used, "Msta-S" became standard even in Western literature).

Specifications

Commonly cited specifications (2S19M2 standard):

Dimensions:

  • Length (gun forward): 12.00 m (39 ft 4 in)
  • Length (hull): 7.15 m (23 ft 6 in)
  • Width: 3.38 m (11 ft 1 in)
  • Height: 2.99 m (9 ft 10 in) turret roof
  • Ground clearance: 0.45 m (18 in)

Weights:

  • Combat weight: 42,000 kg (92,594 lb)
  • Power-to-weight ratio: 19 hp/tonne

Armor:

  • Hull front: 80 mm sloped steel (30°)
  • Hull sides: 50 mm
  • Turret front: 50 mm
  • Turret sides/rear: 30-40 mm
  • Protection level: Small arms, shell fragments, NBC threats

Armament:

Main gun:

  • Designation: 2A64 152mm howitzer
  • Caliber: 152.4 mm (6 in)
  • Barrel length: L/29 (4.4 m / 14 ft 5 in)
  • Elevation: -3° to +68°
  • Traverse: 360° (full turret rotation)
  • Rate of fire:
    • Maximum: 8 rounds/minute (first minute)
    • Sustained: 6-7 rounds/minute (3-5 minutes)
    • Long-term sustained: 2-3 rounds/minute (prolonged fire missions)
  • Ammunition capacity: 50 rounds (28 in turret ready rack, 22 in hull storage)
  • Recoil system: Hydropneumatic, 0.9 m (35 in) recoil length

Secondary armament:

  • Machine gun: 1× 12.7mm NSV or Kord heavy machine gun (anti-aircraft/anti-personnel), 300 rounds
  • Smoke grenades: 2× 6-barrel 81mm smoke grenade launchers (turret sides)

Ammunition types:

HE-Frag (High-Explosive Fragmentation):

  • 3OF45 "Shrapnel": 43.56 kg projectile, 6.86 kg explosive (TNT), standard HE round
  • Range: 24.7 km (15.3 mi) maximum charge
  • Lethal radius: 50-70 m fragmentation

Extended-Range Ammunition:

  • 3OF39 "Krasnopol": 152mm laser-guided projectile, 20.5 kg warhead, 20-30 km range, semi-active laser homing
  • 3OF64 rocket-assisted: 43.5 kg projectile with rocket booster, 29 km (18 mi) range
  • 3OF91 high-explosive rocket-assisted: Improved propellant, 28-29 km range

Anti-Armor:

  • 3BK29 HEAT-FS: Shaped-charge anti-tank round, 530 mm RHA penetration, 17 km direct-fire range
  • ZOF36 Cluster: Submunition round with anti-armor/anti-personnel bomblets

Illumination/Smoke:

  • 3D6 illumination: Parachute flare round for night operations
  • 3D4 smoke: White phosphorus smoke screening

Special ammunition:

  • Nuclear-capable: Theoretical compatibility with 0.1-2 kt nuclear shells (no longer deployed)
  • Chemical: Nerve agent delivery (never confirmed deployed)

Powerplant:

  • Engine: V-84A V12 diesel (multi-fuel capable)
  • Power: 780 hp (581 kW) at 2,000 rpm
  • Displacement: 38.88 L (2,372 cu in)
  • Transmission: Planetary 4-speed automatic (Gearbox unit from T-80 family)
  • Fuel capacity: 700 L (185 gal) internal + 400 L (106 gal) external drums

Performance:

  • Maximum speed: 60 km/h (37 mph) on road
  • Cross-country speed: 30-35 km/h (19-22 mph)
  • Range: 500 km (311 mi) on road, 300 km (186 mi) cross-country
  • Fuel consumption: 140 L/100 km (1.7 mpg) road, 250 L/100 km (0.9 mpg) cross-country
  • Gradient: 60% (31°)
  • Side slope: 30% (17°)
  • Vertical obstacle: 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in)
  • Trench crossing: 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in)
  • Fording: 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) unprepared, 5 m (16 ft) with snorkel

Fire control:

  • FCS designation: 1V514 automated fire control system
  • Components: Ballistic computer, meteorological sensors, digital target coordinate input
  • Target acquisition: Laser rangefinder (up to 20 km), optical sights, GPS/GLONASS navigation
  • Laying time: 60-90 seconds from march halt to first round
  • MRSI capable: Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (3-6 rounds) with automated charge/elevation calculation

Crew:

  • Complement: 5 (commander, driver, gunner, 2× loaders)
  • NBC protection: Collective NBC system with overpressure, air filtration
  • Communications: R-173 VHF radio, digital datalink (2S19M2)

Design characteristics

Chassis and mobility

T-80 derivative: Hull and suspension based on T-80 MBT components

  • Torsion bar suspension: 6 dual road wheels per side, independent suspension
  • Tracks: 580 mm (23 in) wide steel tracks with rubber pads for road travel
  • Reliability: Proven automotive components from mass-produced MBT

NBC protection: Sealed fighting compartment with:

  • Collective overpressure system preventing contaminated air ingress
  • Air filtration unit removing chemical/biological agents
  • Radiation shielding for crew (steel armor + internal liners)

Amphibious capability: Can ford 1.2 m without preparation; snorkel kit enables 5 m wading (river crossings)

Turret and gun system

Fully enclosed turret: Protects crew from shell fragments, NBC threats, weather

360° traverse: Hydraulic turret rotation enables rapid target shifts without vehicle repositioning

2A64 gun characteristics:

  • Autofrettage barrel: Cold-worked barrel liner extends service life (10,000+ rounds)
  • Muzzle brake: Double-baffle design reduces recoil forces by 40%
  • Fume extractor: Mid-barrel bore evacuator clears propellant gases from turret

Automated ammunition handling:

  • Conveyor system transfers rounds from hull storage to turret ready rack
  • Semi-automatic loading: Loaders insert projectile/charge into loading tray, automatic rammer completes loading (~7 seconds)
  • Charge selection: Gunner selects charge zones 1-8 for range/trajectory optimization

Fire control system (1V514)

Ballistic computer: Calculates firing data from:

  • Target coordinates (GPS, map, forward observer datalink)
  • Meteorological data (wind speed/direction, temperature, barometric pressure)
  • Ammunition type, charge zone, barrel wear
  • Vehicle orientation, gun elevation/traverse

Automated laying: Gunner receives firing solution, hydraulics automatically traverse turret and elevate gun

MRSI (Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact):

  • FCS calculates multiple charge/elevation combinations
  • Crew fires 3-6 rounds at different trajectories
  • All rounds impact target simultaneously (devastating effect, complicates counter-battery response)

Laser rangefinder: 1D14 or 1D22 laser rangefinder integrated into gunner's sight

  • Direct-fire mode: Ranges targets up to 20 km for precision engagement
  • Indirect fire: Confirms range to surveyed landmarks for position verification

GPS/GLONASS navigation: Automated position determination

  • Eliminates survey time at unsurveyed positions
  • Enables "shoot and scoot" rapid-fire missions

Variants and upgrades

2S19 (baseline, 1989)

Initial production: 1989-1992 Features: 2A64 gun, 1V514 FCS, T-80 chassis Limitations: Analog fire control, no digital datalink Production: ~500 units

2S19M "Msta-S" (1997 upgrade)

Improvements:

  • Digital fire control computer
  • Improved GPS/GLONASS navigation
  • Enhanced radio communications (R-173)
  • Upgraded meteorological sensors

Krasnopol compatibility: Full integration of laser-guided projectiles

Production/retrofit: Existing 2S19 upgraded, new production from 1997

2S19M1 (2008)

Enhancements:

  • Automatic target tracking
  • Digital datalink to battalion fire coordination center
  • Improved ballistic computer (faster calculations)
  • Upgraded suspension components (higher reliability)

Combat debut: 2008 Russo-Georgian War

2S19M2 (2013)

Major upgrades:

  • New 2A64M2 gun (extended service life, 12,000+ rounds)
  • Fully automated fire control (minimal crew input for rapid engagement)
  • Digital communications suite (encrypted datalink)
  • Improved NBC filtration
  • Enhanced crew ergonomics (digital displays, climate control)

Current standard: Most new-build and retrofit 2S19 brought to M2 standard

2S19M3 (proposed/prototypes)

Planned features:

  • Remote weapon station (12.7mm RWS)
  • Active protection system (APS) against anti-tank missiles
  • Enhanced armor package
  • Hybrid electric drive (fuel efficiency)

Status: Development/testing, not mass-produced

Export variant: 2S19M1-155

Chambered for NATO 155mm ammunition: Accommodates Western customers wanting NATO-standard ammunition compatibility

Status: Offered for export, limited uptake (most customers use Russian 152mm stocks)

Related systems

2S19 "Msta-S" (self-propelled): Tracked chassis, mobile operations

2A65 "Msta-B" (towed): Towed version of 2A64 gun, lighter (7,000 kg), 24.7 km range, same ammunition compatibility

2S33 "Msta-SM": Proposed 8×8 wheeled SPH version (not adopted)

Operational deployment

Service timeline

  • 1976-1985: Development as "Object 316"
  • 1989: State acceptance, initial production begins
  • 1992-present: Mass production, continuous upgrades
  • 1994-1996: Combat debut, First Chechen War
  • 2008: 2S19M1 variant combat use, Russo-Georgian War
  • 2022-present: Extensive deployment, Ukraine conflict

Global operators

Russian Armed Forces: 1,000+ in service (artillery brigades, motor rifle divisions)

Export customers:

  • Belarus: 120+ units
  • Ukraine: 70+ (inherited from Soviet stockpiles, captured Russian units 2022+)
  • Algeria: 26 units (delivered 2016)
  • Ethiopia: Unknown quantity (reported delivery 2000s)
  • Venezuela: 12 units (delivered 2011)

Combat record

First Chechen War (1994-1996):

  • Russian artillery bombardment of Grozny
  • Urban environment, limited mobility exploitation
  • Demonstrated sustained high rate of fire

Second Chechen War (1999-2009):

  • Counter-insurgency fire support
  • Mountain warfare applications (high-angle fire)

2008 Russo-Georgian War:

  • Rapid fire missions against Georgian positions
  • Krasnopol laser-guided rounds used
  • Demonstrated MRSI capability
  • "Shoot and scoot" avoided Georgian counter-battery fire

Syrian Civil War (2015-present):

  • Russian artillery support for Syrian government
  • Long-range bombardment (24+ km)
  • Training Syrian crews on captured systems

Ukraine conflict (2022-present):

  • Extensive Russian deployment (500+ systems)
  • Mass artillery barrages (hundreds of rounds/day per battery)
  • Ukrainian counter-battery with M777, HIMARS targeting 2S19 positions
  • Both sides operate 2S19 (Russia/captured by Ukraine)
  • High attrition: Dozens destroyed/captured (documented via open-source)

Documented losses (Ukraine 2022-2023, open-source):

  • 50+ Russian 2S19 destroyed/damaged/captured (Oryx documentation)
  • Ukrainian forces captured/reactivated several systems
  • Counter-battery radar + precision strike (Excalibur, GMLRS) major threat

Strengths and limitations

Advantages

High rate of fire: 8 rounds/minute (first minute) enables rapid fire missions, suppression

Extended range: 24.7 km (29 km RAP) matches NATO 155mm systems, outranges older Soviet artillery

Mobility: Tracked chassis enables off-road operations, rapid position changes

Armor protection: 50-80 mm protects against shell fragments, small arms (vs. towed artillery vulnerability)

Automated fire control: 60-90 second readiness from halt reduces vulnerability to counter-battery

MRSI capability: Simultaneous impact salvos devastate targets, complicate interception

Krasnopol compatibility: Laser-guided projectiles enable precision strikes (bridges, bunkers, vehicles)

NBC protection: Sealed turret enables operations in contaminated environments

Limitations

Complexity: Tracked SPH more maintenance-intensive than towed artillery

Logistics: Consumes 140-250 L/100 km fuel, requires supply lines

Vulnerability to counter-battery: Modern radar (AN/TPQ-36, COBRA) detects launch, enables precision counter-fire

Limited ammunition: 50-round capacity requires frequent resupply (vs. towed artillery with separate ammunition trucks)

Radar signature: Large metal vehicle detectable by ground surveillance radar

Thermal signature: Engine heat, gun barrel temperature after firing

Cost: $2-3 million per unit vs. $500,000 for towed 2A65 Msta-B

Urban limitations: Size restricts maneuverability in cities (Grozny experience)

Comparison with contemporaries

vs. M109A6 Paladin (USA):

  • Caliber: 155mm (M109) vs. 152mm (2S19)
  • Range: 30 km (M109 Excalibur) vs. 24.7 km (2S19 standard)
  • Rate of fire: 4 rounds/minute (M109) vs. 8 rounds/minute (2S19)
  • Automation: M109A6 more automated (digital FCS, automatic loading)
  • Mobility: Similar (tracked, 60 km/h)
  • Cost: M109A6 $4.5 million vs. 2S19 $2.5 million

vs. PzH 2000 (Germany):

  • Caliber: 155mm NATO standard
  • Range: 40 km (V-LAP ammunition)
  • Rate of fire: 10-13 rounds/minute (burst), 3 sustained
  • Automation: Fully automated loading (no crew loaders needed)
  • Mobility: Wheeled/tracked variants, 60+ km/h
  • Cost: $6-7 million (most expensive SPH)
  • Advantage: PzH 2000 superior in all technical aspects, 2S19 wins on cost

vs. 2S3 "Akatsiya" (USSR, predecessor):

  • Caliber: Both 152mm
  • Range: 18.5 km (2S3) vs. 24.7 km (2S19)
  • Rate of fire: 3-4 rpm (2S3) vs. 8 rpm (2S19)
  • Fire control: Manual (2S3) vs. automated (2S19)
  • Mobility: Similar chassis
  • Result: 2S19 generational improvement

Legacy and modern status

The 2S19 Msta-S remains Russia's premier self-propelled howitzer, with ongoing upgrades (M2 standard) ensuring relevance through the 2030s. Its combination of firepower, mobility, and automation represents the pinnacle of Russian artillery design.

Production status: Active production at Uraltransmash plant (5-10 units/year), primarily upgrades/exports

Future replacements: 2S35 "Koalitsiya-SV" 152mm SPH (2020 limited service entry) offers greater automation, extended range (70+ km), but high cost limits procurement

Export prospects: Continued interest from nations seeking affordable modern SPH (vs. Western $5-7 million systems)

Doctrine: Russian artillery doctrine remains centered on massed fires—2S19 provides mobility and rate of fire to execute deep strike, suppression, and counter-battery missions

Ukraine lessons: Conflict demonstrated both strengths (rapid fire, mobility) and vulnerabilities (counter-battery radar/precision strike, logistics)

Several captured 2S19 systems displayed at Ukrainian military exhibitions; intact systems reverse-engineered for technical intelligence.

Related equipment

Related sections

Technical glossary

MRSI (Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact) : Fire control technique where multiple rounds fired at different trajectories impact target simultaneously, maximizing surprise and devastation

Krasnopol : Russian 152mm/155mm laser-guided projectile with semi-active laser homing, 20-30 km range, used against high-value point targets

Autofrettage : Cold-working process strengthening gun barrel by pre-stressing, extending service life to 10,000+ rounds

Counter-battery fire : Artillery targeting enemy artillery positions using radar detection of launch signatures or forward observation

NBC protection : Nuclear, Biological, Chemical protection systems including sealed compartments, overpressure, and air filtration