Russia upgrades 2S19 Msta-S howitzers with new type of cage armor against Ukrainian drone threats.

On April 20, 2025, a new picture shared by Lex Kitaev confirmed that Russian 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzers are now being equipped with factory-installed counter-drone protection. The picture revealed a metallic shielding structure now covering the turret, intended to shield both the crew and the ammunition loading mechanism in response to increasing losses attributed to Ukrainian FPV drone strikes. The integration of these protections at the factory level indicates a shift in Russian production standards, reflecting lessons learned from extensive battlefield losses in Ukraine.
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Russian 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzers are now being equipped with a factory-installed metallic shielding structure covering the turret, intended to shield both the crew and the ammunition loading mechanism. (Picture source: Telegram/Lex Kitaev)

The increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles by Ukraine has had a significant impact on Russian battlefield losses. In January 2025, drone strikes were responsible for 66% of Russian equipment losses, according to statements by Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, representing a 7% increase compared to December 2024. FPV drones accounted for 49% of all equipment losses. Ukrainian units, including the 46th Airmobile Brigade, 3rd Assault Brigade, and 80th Air Assault Brigade, have made extensive use of drones for both reconnaissance and strike missions. Russia, in turn, is formalizing its own drone warfare capabilities, planning to recruit over 210,000 personnel into unmanned systems roles by 2030. This includes the formation of 277 specialized units and the development of naval drones with AI-driven functionalities.

The presence of these drones has contributed to the loss of a significant number of Russian self-propelled howitzers in Ukraine. As of April 22, 2025, a total of 916 Russian self-propelled artillery systems have been visually confirmed lost. This includes 751 destroyed, 49 damaged, 7 abandoned, and 109 captured units. Among these, Russian forces had lost at least 234 2S19 Msta-S and 52 2S33 Msta-SM2 units. Of these, 171 Msta-S howitzers were confirmed destroyed through photographic evidence. The remainder were reported as damaged, abandoned, or captured. These losses also highlight the Russian need for additional protective measures beyond ad hoc field modifications, which have proven insufficient in high-threat zones.

The development of the 2S19 began in the late 1970s as part of the Soviet Uspyekh-2 research program, aimed at countering NATO artillery developments such as the FH70 and SP70. This led to the design of a next-generation self-propelled howitzer designated Object 316, later officially adopted as the 2S19. The vehicle was developed by Uraltransmash in cooperation with the Barrikady Design Bureau, incorporating lessons from previous Soviet artillery systems, focusing on automation, firepower, and tactical mobility. The 2S19 entered service in 1989 as a replacement for the 2S3 Akatsiya and was first shown publicly in August 1992 at the Zhukovsky airshow.

Since its introduction, the Msta-S has been developed into several key variants to meet evolving battlefield requirements. One of the most significant upgrades is the 2S33 Msta-SM2, which features a modernized fire control system, improved navigation, and a higher rate of fire—up to 10 rounds per minute. Some configurations include thermal signature reduction and integration with advanced command-and-control networks. Another export-focused variant, the 2S19M1-155, was adapted to fire NATO-standard 155mm ammunition, expanding its appeal to international markets. Other experimental versions included the wheeled 2S21 Msta-K and a dual-barrel variant developed under the Koalitsiya program; neither entered service. Despite these updates, the Msta-S family faces limitations in maximum range and automation compared to more modern Western systems like Germany’s PzH 2000 or China’s PLZ-05, both capable of engaging targets at greater distances with more advanced shell types.

In January 2025, drone strikes were responsible for 66% of Russian equipment losses, according to statements by Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, representing a 7% increase compared to December 2024. (Picture source: VK/Современная бронетехника)

The Msta-S is built on a chassis derived from the T-80 main battle tank, later modified to the T-72 platform for cost efficiency and ease of maintenance. It is powered by a V-84A diesel engine producing 840 horsepower, giving it a maximum road speed of approximately 60 kilometers per hour and a range of up to 500 kilometers. The vehicle is armored with 15 mm steel plating sufficient to resist small arms fire and artillery fragments. It includes a turret-mounted 152mm howitzer, automated loading systems, and NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection for enhanced survivability. The standard crew comprises five members: commander, gunner, driver, and two loaders. Internal ergonomics are designed for long-duration operations under adverse conditions, and its communications suite enables integration into broader battlefield networks.

The Msta-S' is armed with the 152mm 2A64 howitzer, compatible with a broad array of munitions, including high-explosive fragmentation (HE-Frag) shells, cluster munitions, and laser-guided rounds. Standard HE-Frag shells can reach up to 24.7 kilometers, while rocket-assisted projectiles extend this to around 29 kilometers. The Krasnopol laser-guided round enables high-precision strikes within a 20-kilometer range when paired with appropriate target designation systems. The system can also deliver cluster munitions for area denial, as well as experimental rounds under development aimed at extending its reach beyond 30 kilometers. Some munitions may have alternative payloads, including electronic countermeasures or specialized warheads. The system carries up to 50 rounds, and the loading system includes automatic ramming. A 12.7mm NSVT heavy machine gun is mounted on the turret for local defense. These munitions allow the Msta-S to conduct both saturation fire missions and targeted strikes, adapting to shifting tactical needs on the battlefield.

The Msta-S has seen operational use in numerous conflicts involving the Russian armed forces. During the First and Second Chechen Wars, it was deployed for long-range bombardment of fortified positions and urban targets. It played a similar role during the 2008 conflict with Georgia, where it provided fire support to advancing ground units. In the ongoing war in Ukraine, both Russian and Ukrainian forces have deployed the Msta-S, with Ukraine capturing and redeploying several units. Ethiopia is also known to have used the Msta-S during its border war with Eritrea, taking advantage of its range and indirect fire capabilities, which enabled surprise attacks perceived as air raids due to the absence of launch noise at the impact site.

Within the Russian Ground Forces, the 2S19 Msta-S remains a principal component of divisional and corps-level artillery units. It is tasked with delivering suppressive fire, executing counter-battery missions, and providing direct support to maneuver brigades. In Russian service, the 2S19 is organized within artillery regiments and separate artillery battalions of tank and motor rifle brigades. Each battery can include up to eight howitzers, supported by command and observation vehicles. As of 2024, Russia fields approximately 300 Msta-S/Msta-SM1 units and 300 Msta-SM2 units in active service, with an additional 150 Msta-S howitzers in reserve. The system remains a core component of Russian artillery, although it is gradually being replaced by the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV, which features extended range and fully automated loading.