Despite the worldwide economical embargo against Russia, the Russian defense industry continues to produce military equipment. On October 13, 2022, the Russian tank manufacturer Uralvagonzavod announced on its VK Social Network account that the company Uraltransmash will deliver a new batch of 2S7M Malka self-propelled artillery guns to the Russian army, one of the most powerful artillery systems in the world which has the capability to fire chemical and nuclear shells.
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Russian defense company Uraltransmash to deliver a new batch of 2S7M Malka 203mm self-propelled artillery guns to the Russian army. (Picture source Uralvagonzavod VK account)
On May 6, 2022, the Army Recognition editorial reported that the 2S7M Malka 203mm self-propelled artillery gun is already used by the Russian army for combat operations in Ukraine. The 2S7 is also in service with the Ukrainian armed forces.
According to information published by the Military Balance 2021, the Russian armed forces have a total of 320 2S7 Pion 203mm tracked self-propelled gun systems including 60 modernized version 2S7M Malka and 260 2S7M in store while the Ukrainian armed forces have a total of around 100 2S7 Pion with 13 in operational service and 83 in store.
The 2S7 Pion is a 230mm self-propelled gun system mounted on tracked armored chassis that was designed according to a requirement of the Russian army for a new large-caliber longer-range self-propelled artillery weapon. It entered into service with the Russian army in 1975. The 2S7M Malka is a modernized version of the 2S7 that was developed in 1983.
The 2S7M Malka is a modernized version of the 2S7 featuring a new gearbox, distribution mechanisms, power supply units, observation devices and guidance system, intercom equipment, and a radio station. The CBRN protection system has been updated. Additionally, it is now possible to aim at a target using a UAV.
The 2S7M Malka is able to fire standard and rocket-assisted HE-FRAG (High Explosive Fragmentation) projectiles, chemical, and nuclear ammunition. Firing HE-FRAG ammunition, the 2S7 has a maximum firing range of 37.5 km while with rocket-assisted projectiles, the maximum firing range is 47.5 km.
