The Russian army is armed with 152-mm self-propelled artillery systems 2S3 “Acacia”, 2S5 “Hyacinth-S”, 2S19 “Msta-S” and their modifications. They were developed in the USSR, so they are outdated both morally and physically. The modernization of these systems consisted mainly of improving the guidance and firing control processes, which did not lead to a significant improvement in combat characteristics.

According to the developer, only the Russian 2C35 “Coalition-SV” artillery system has similar characteristics to howitzers from partner countries to Ukrainian defenders. The 2C35 “Coalition-SV” system was adopted by Russia in 2012. According to available information, by 2021, only 18 such artillery systems were produced by the Russian military-industrial complex and were put into service with the Taman motorized rifle division.

Introduced advanced design solutions in foreign artillery systems

As expert experts explain, the results of comparative analysis and experience of combat use show that the 155 mm caliber artillery systems from the partner countries have an indisputable advantage over most of the 152 mm caliber systems of the Russian army. tactical and technical characteristics.

Foreign systems include the German PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer, the French Caesar, the Czech Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzer, DITA, etc. According to the JBMOU ballistic memorandum (Joint Ballistic Memorandum), 155 mm artillery systems are characterized by a barrel length of 52 caliber and a staged rifle. The applied design solutions provide less wear of the inner bore of the barrel during acceleration of the projectile, better stabilization of the projectile in the outer trajectory during flight and, accordingly, greater range and better firing accuracy.

The 23-litre charge chamber of the barrel allows the use of caseless and modular charges to enable shooting at different distances. Standardizing modular charges provides a better set of shots, especially during automatic charging.

A significant advantage of most 155-mm self-propelled artillery systems is the possibility of applying the MRSI mode (multiple shells strike simultaneously, “fire barrage”). At the same time, thanks to the automation of firing, firing at different angles of the barrel height, the use of modular projectile loads of various configurations, the simultaneous arrival of shells at the target is achieved – the most effective way of defeat.

155 mm ammunition has better aerodynamics and correction devices

In this context, it is necessary to mention the artillery ammunition of our partner countries, which has significant advantages over Russia. Firstly, the improved aerodynamic shape of the shells allows to increase the firing range up to 40 km without the use of lower gas generators and jet engines; the use of aerodynamic consoles and the tail of “smart” ammunition increases the firing range by more than 50 km with a possible accuracy of circular deviation of 15-20 m.

Secondly, the use of various electronic correction devices significantly increases the accuracy of conventional bullets, in particular, due to the fact that the nose part of the bullet is equipped with a stabilizer to correct flight, a guidance system of the type PGK, FGK, CCF. a programmable GPS guidance module with path and protection. The practice of partner countries will equip even towed howitzers, including the M777, FH-70, L119, with digital fire control systems that allow the use of high-precision Excalibur shells with an accuracy of up to 40 km. m.