View source for 2S19 Msta-S

{{Short description|Soviet/Russian 152 mm self-propelled howitzer}}
{{More citations needed|date=March 2024}}
{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name = 2S19 Msta-S
| image = AlabinoTraining0904-34.jpg
| image_size = 300
| caption = A 2S19M2 Msta-S during a rehearsal of the [[2014 Moscow Victory Day Parade]] held in [[Alabino]]
| type = [[Self-propelled howitzer]]
| origin = Soviet Union/Russia
<!-- Type selection -->
| is_ranged = yes
| is_artillery = yes
| is_vehicle = yes
| is_UK = yes
<!-- Service history -->
| service = 1989–present
| used_by = See {{section link||Operators}}
| wars = {{plainlist|
*[[Eritrean–Ethiopian War]]
*[[Second Chechen War]]
*[[Russo-Ukrainian War]]
*[[Second Nagorno-Karabakh War]]
}}
<!-- Production history -->
| designer = [[Uraltransmash]]
| design_date = 1980
| manufacturer = Uraltransmash
| unit_cost = 
| production_date = 1988–present
| number = ~1,130 (est. 1988–2019, inc. prototypes)<ref name="altyn73">{{cite web|date=24 April 2019|title=152-мм самоходная гаубица 2С19 "Мста-С" в Вооруженных Силах Российской Федерации. Версия 2.0|url=https://altyn73.livejournal.com/1382776.html|language=ru|via=[[LiveJournal]]|access-date=29 May 2019|archive-date=29 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529051804/https://altyn73.livejournal.com/1382776.html|url-status=live}}{{better source needed|reason=A personal blog on LiveJournal (WP:USERGENERATED)|date=July 2023}}</ref>
<!-- General specifications -->
| mass = {{convert|42|t|lbs}}
| length = {{cvt|7.15|m|ftin}}
| width = {{cvt|3.38|m|ftin}}
| height = {{cvt|2.99|m|ftin}}
| crew = 5
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
| rate = 2S19: 6–8 rounds/min<br />2S19M2: 10 rounds/min
| max_range = Standard round: {{cvt|24.7|km|mi}}<br />[[Base bleed]]: {{cvt|29|km|mi}}<br />[[rocket-assisted projectile|RAP]]: {{cvt|36|km|mi}}<ref>{{cite web|title=2S19 Msta|url=https://weaponsystems.net/system/1002-2S19+Msta|website=WeaponSystems.net|access-date=1 July 2023}}</ref>
<!-- Artillery specifications -->
| elevation = −4° to +68°
| traverse = 360°
<!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->
| armour = 15&nbsp;mm all-around<ref>{{cite web|last=Pike|first=John|date=19 June 1999|title=2S19 MSTA-S 152-mm Self-Propelled Howitzer|url=https://man.fas.org/dod-101/sys/land/row/2s19.htm|website=Military Analysis Network|publisher=[[Federation of American Scientists]]|access-date=1 July 2023|archive-date=9 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409112450/https://man.fas.org/dod-101/sys/land/row/2s19.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
| primary_armament = 152&nbsp;mm 2A64 L47-caliber howitzer
| secondary_armament = [[12.7×108mm|12.7&nbsp;mm]] [[NSV machine gun|NSVT]] anti-aircraft machine gun
| engine = Diesel [[Kharkiv model V-2|V-84A]]
| engine_power = {{cvt|840|hp|kW}}
| pw_ratio = 20&nbsp;hp/tonne
| suspension = [[Torsion bar]]
| vehicle_range = {{cvt|500|km|mi}}
| speed = {{cvt|60|km/h|mph}}
}}[[File:Inside 2C19 Msta-S during Russia's Invasion of Ukraine.webm|thumb|2022 video of the inside of a Msta-S during the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]]]]
[[File:Msta-S - TankBiathlon2013-26.jpg|thumb|Msta-S at the 2013 [[tank biathlon]]]]
[[File:2S19 Msta-S PM MWB 09.jpg|thumb|A Russian 2S19 Msta-S that was damaged in 2022 during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, on display at the military park of the army museum in [[Białystok]], Poland, in 2023]]
[[File:Військовослужбовці провели тактичне заняття 10.jpg|thumb|2S19 Msta-S of the Ukrainian [[26th Artillery Brigade (Ukraine)|26th Artillery Brigade]]]]

The '''2S19 Msta-S''' is a 152.4&nbsp;mm [[self-propelled artillery|self-propelled]] [[howitzer]] designed and manufactured by [[Uraltransmash]] in the [[Soviet Union]] and later in Russia, which entered service in 1989 as the successor to the [[2S3 Akatsiya]]. The vehicle has the running gear of the [[T-80]], but is powered by the [[T-72]]'s diesel engine.<ref>{{cite book|last=Zaloga|first=Steven J.|author-link=Steven Zaloga|year=2009|title=T-80 Standard Tank: The Soviet Army's Last Armored Champion|url=https://archive.org/details/tstandardtank00zalo_209|url-access=limited|series=New Vanguard|volume=152|others=Illustrated by Tony Bryan|location=Oxford, UK|publisher=Osprey Publishing|pages=43, 45–46|isbn=978-1-84603-244-8}}</ref>

==Development==
The Msta-S (also known by the [[GRAU]] index ''2S19'') bears the Msta ({{langx|ru|Мста}}, after the river [[Msta]]) howitzer, which was designed for deployment either on a self-propelled vehicle or as a towed gun. The 2S19 Msta-S is the armoured self-propelled howitzer, while the [[152 mm howitzer 2A65 Msta-B|2A65 Msta-B]] is a towed gun.<ref>{{cite book |title=Soviet/Russian Armor and Artillery Design Practices: 1945-1995 |date=1995 |publisher=[[Marine Corps Intelligence Activity]] |location=Quantico, VA |url=https://ntrl.ntis.gov/NTRL/dashboard/searchResults/titleDetail/PB96134846.xhtml |access-date=16 March 2024 |pages=V-16–V-17}}</ref>

Development of the 2S19 started in 1980 under the project name ''Ferma''. The prototype was known as '''Obiekt 316'''. The 2S19's standard equipment consists of a semi-automatic laying system 1P22, an automatic loader, an [[CBRN defense|NBC protection]] system, passive [[night-vision device]] for the driver, a [[vehicle snorkel]], a dozer blade, a smoke generator and 81&nbsp;mm smoke launchers, 1V116 intercom system and a 16&nbsp;kW generator AP-18D. In 2008, the [[Russian Armed Forces]] ordered an improved model with an automated [[fire-control system]].{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}

Russia offered its Msta-S 152&nbsp;mm howitzer to foreign countries, particularly in the Middle East. A demonstration was organised in 2020 by [[Rosoboronexport]], the country's nodal agency for arms export, for representatives from various Middle Eastern countries.<ref>{{cite web|last=Krishna|first=Om|date=25 March 2020|title=Msta-S 155mm Howitzer: Russia offers new self propelled artillery gun|url=https://www.defencestar.in/military/army/msta-s-155mm-howitzer-rosoboronexport-offers-new-gun-foreign-customers/3355/|website=Defence Star|access-date=1 July 2023|archive-date=1 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701210746/https://www.defencestar.in/military/army/msta-s-155mm-howitzer-rosoboronexport-offers-new-gun-foreign-customers/3355/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Specifications==
Msta-S specifications provided by manufacturer{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}
* '''Range:'''
** {{cvt|24.7|km}} standard round
** {{cvt|28.9|km}} [[base bleed|base-bleed]]
** {{cvt|36|km}} [[rocket-assisted projectile|rocket-assisted]]
* '''Rate of fire:''' 6–8 rounds per minute
* '''Weapon elevation:''' −4° to +68°
* '''Weapon traverse:''' 360°
* '''Deployment time:''' 22&nbsp;minutes
* '''Unit of fire:''' 50 rounds

==Variants==
* '''[[1K17 Szhatie]]''' – a "laser tank" armed with a battery of lasers meant to disable optoelectronic systems; based on the Msta-S.<ref name="Red Samovar">{{cite web|author=Benoît.C|date=16 September 2019|title=[Dossier] Le 2S19 Msta-S|url=https://redsamovar.com/2019/09/16/dossier-le-2s19-msta-s/|website=Red Samovar|language=fr|access-date=1 July 2023}}</ref>
* '''2S19M1''' (unveiled in 2000, first deliveries in 2007) – Improved fire-control system and added [[GLONASS]] antenna. Modernised [[Kharkiv model V-2|V-84AMS]] engine.<ref name="Red Samovar" />
* '''2S19M2''' or '''2S33 Msta-SM2''' (2013) – Improved version currently in production equipped with a new automatic fire-control system which increases the rate of fire to 10 rounds per minute. Digital electronic maps are now available which significantly speeds up the terrain orientation in difficult geographical conditions and allows performing faster and more efficiently firing missions. The 2S33 Msta-SM2 howitzer is fitted with a new 2A79 152&nbsp;mm/L60 ordnance that has improved ballistics. It can fire ammunition with more propellant charges and with a higher breech pressure than the original 2S19 Msta-S. The gun is longer and has a heavier barrel. As a result, it has a greater range of fire. Maximum range of fire with standard HE-FRAG shells is {{cvt|30|km}} and {{cvt|40|km}} with rocket-assisted shells.<ref>{{cite web|date=2 February 2022|title=Russian Western Military District Gets Newest 2S33 Msta-SM2 Self-propelled Howitzer|url=https://militaryleak.com/2022/02/02/russian-western-military-district-gets-newest-2s33-msta-sm2-self-propelled-howitzer/|website=MilitaryLeak|access-date=7 May 2023|archive-date=19 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419230655/https://militaryleak.com/2022/02/02/russian-western-military-district-gets-newest-2s33-msta-sm2-self-propelled-howitzer/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''2S19M1-155''' (2006) – [[155&nbsp;mm]] export version of the 2S19M1, fitted with an L/52 gun with a range of more than {{cvt|40|km}}. Modernised in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fediushko|first=Dmitry|date=30 March 2020|title=UVZ upgrades STANAG-compatible 2S19M1-155 155 mm howitzer|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/uvz-upgrades-stanag-compatible-2s19m1-155-155-mm-howitzer|website=Janes|access-date=1 July 2023|archive-date=24 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424225722/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/uvz-upgrades-stanag-compatible-2s19m1-155-155-mm-howitzer|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''2S21 Msta-K''' – Wheeled variant, based on an eight-wheel truck chassis. It used the 2A67 gun, a variant of the 2A65 modified for use from wheeled platforms. There were several different prototypes, including one based on the [[Ural-5323]] and one on the KrAZ-6316. The project was abandoned in 1987.<ref name="Red Samovar" />
* '''2S19M''' (also known as '''2S30 Iset''' and '''2S33 Msta-SM''') – Project for a version with improved range and rate of fire, easier maintenance and optimised manufacturing process. Started between the 1990s and the early 2000s, but quickly abandoned in favour of the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV.<ref name="Red Samovar" />
* '''[[2S35 Koalitsiya-SV]]''' – Project for a new artillery system for the Russian Ground Forces (SV stands for "sukhoputniye voyska"). Early prototypes consisted of a 2S19 chassis with modified turret, fitted with an over-and-under dual autoloaded 152&nbsp;mm howitzer. Development of this variant was abandoned in favour of an entirely new artillery system using the same designation.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=de Larrinaga|first=Nicholas|date=22 April 2015|title=New Russian heavy armour breaks cover|url=http://www.janes.com/article/50896/new-russian-heavy-armour-breaks-cover|magazine=[[Jane's Defence Weekly]]|access-date=1 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424171053/http://www.janes.com/article/50896/new-russian-heavy-armour-breaks-cover|archive-date=24 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Operational use==
About a dozen Msta-S howitzers were purchased by [[Ethiopia]] in late 1998, and used during the [[Eritrean–Ethiopian War]]. They were successfully used to destroy an [[Eritrean Air Force]] radar station outside [[Adi Quala]].{{sfn|Cooper|Fontanellaz|2018|page=60}}

Msta-S howitzers were used by the [[Russian Ground Forces]] to deliver artillery strikes against [[Armed Forces of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria|Chechen separatists]] during the [[Second Chechen War]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Pashin|first=Alexander|date=2002|title=Russian Army Operations and Weaponry During Second Military Campaign in Chechnya|url=http://mdb.cast.ru/mdb/3-2002/ac/raowdsmcc/|magazine=[[Moscow Defense Brief]]|issue=3|access-date=1 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129141108/http://mdb.cast.ru/mdb/3-2002/ac/raowdsmcc/|archive-date=29 January 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Msta-S howitzers have been used in the [[Russo-Ukrainian War]] by the [[Russian people's militias in Ukraine|pro-Russian separatists]] who captured one machine during the conflict.<ref>{{cite report|last1=Ferguson|first1=Jonathan|author-link1=Jonathan Ferguson|last2=Jenzen-Jones|first2=N.R.|year=2014|title=Raising Red Flags: An Examination of Arms & Munitions in the Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine|url=http://armamentresearch.com/Uploads/Research%20Report%20No.%203%20-%20Raising%20Red%20Flags.pdf|publisher=[[Armament Research Services]]|id=Research Report No. 3|access-date=4 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141201185108/http://armamentresearch.com/Uploads/Research%20Report%20No.%203%20-%20Raising%20Red%20Flags.pdf|archive-date=1 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Both Msta-B and Msta-S were used by the [[Ukrainian Ground Forces]] in the [[Battle of Bakhmut]].<ref>{{cite web|date=17 February 2023|title=Ukrainian Airborne Brigade soldiers use captured Russian Msta-S ACS|url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/ukrainian-airborne-brigade-soldiers-use-captured-russian-msta-s-acs/|website=Ukrainian Military Portal|access-date=1 July 2023|archive-date=8 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508032358/https://mil.in.ua/en/news/ukrainian-airborne-brigade-soldiers-use-captured-russian-msta-s-acs/|url-status=live}}</ref> With their vehicles wearing out from continued combat use since 2014, and the 152&nbsp;mm caliber gradually becoming obsolete, the [[Ukrainian Armed Forces]] has refitted some non-operational units with T-72 turrets or converted them into [[armoured personnel carrier]]s.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Yan |first1=Oleksandr |title=FrankenMsta: Ukrainian Mechanics Refitted Self-Propelled Howitzer |url=https://militarnyi.com/en/news/frankenmsta-ukrainian-mechanics-refitted-self-propelled-howitzer/ |access-date=9 August 2025 |work=Militarnyi |date=8 August 2025}}</ref>

{{As of|2025|08|09}}, there is visual evidence of Russian forces losing 246 Msta-S (194 destroyed, 14 damaged, 3 abandoned and 35 captured) and 54 Msta-SM2 (33 destroyed, 3 damaged and 18 captured).<ref name="Mitzer&Janovsky">{{cite web |last1=Mitzer |first1=Stijn |last2=Janovsky |first2=Jakub |date=24 February 2022 |title=Attack On Europe: Documenting Russian Equipment Losses During The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.html |website=[[Oryx (website)|Oryx]] |access-date=5 September 2023 |archive-date=31 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250731230043/https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:2S19 operators.png|thumb|upright=1.35|Map of 2S19 operators in blue]]

===Current===
* {{AZE}} – 18 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=180}}
* {{ETH}} – 10 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=491}}
* {{GEO}} – 1 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=185}}
* {{RUS}} – Estimated to have 300 2S19/2S19M1 Msta-S and 300 2S19M2/2S33 Msta-SM in service with the Ground Forces, 36 2S19M1 Msta-S in service with the Naval Infantry, plus 150 2S19 Msta-S in storage as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|pages=193,199}}
* {{UKR}} – 35 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=212}}
* {{VEN}} – 48 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=454}}

===Former===
* {{BLR}} − 12 in 2023,{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=175}} none as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|pages=182−184}}
* {{URS}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
*{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |last2=Fontanellaz |first2=Adrien |title=Ethiopian-Eritrean Wars: Volume 2 - Eritrean War of Independence, 1988−1991 & Badme War, 1998−2001 |date=2018 |publisher=Helion and Company |isbn=978-1-913118-35-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R4iWDwAAQBAJ |language=en}}
*{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2023 |date=15 February 2023 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1032508955 |edition=1st |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2023}}}}
*{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2024 |date=13 February 2024 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-040-05115-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zIb0EAAAQBAJ|language=en |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2024}} |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies }}

==External links==
{{commons}}

* [http://www.enemyforces.com/artillery/mstas.html 152-mm Self-propelled Howitzer 2S19 "MSTA-S"]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071030184336/http://www.armscontrol.ru//atmtc/Arms_systems/Land/Artillery/Self_Propelled/Msta-S_2S19_SelfProp.htm Arms Systems Page] - (Archived)
{{Post WWII Soviet AFVS}}
{{Soviet and Russian artillery after WW2}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2s19 Msta}}
[[Category:152 mm artillery]]
[[Category:Cold War artillery of the Soviet Union]]
[[Category:Howitzers of Russia]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1980s]]
[[Category:Self-propelled artillery of Russia]]
[[Category:Self-propelled artillery of the Cold War]]
[[Category:Self-propelled howitzers of the Soviet Union]]
[[Category:Tracked self-propelled howitzers]]
[[Category:Uraltransmash products]]