Self-Propelled Howitzer
2S19 Msta-S
The 2S19 Msta-S is a Russian 152 mm tracked self-propelled howitzer made by Uraltransmash, in service since 1989. It replaced the 2S3 Akatsiya, fires out to about 24.7-36 km, and has been used heavily in the war in Ukraine.
Russia|Uraltransmash (Uralvagonzavod)What Is the 2S19 Msta-S? Overview, History and Development
Development began in the late 1970s, with a prototype around 1985 and service entry in 1989. The 152 mm/47 gun uses an automatic loader for 7-8 rounds per minute from a load of 50 rounds. Range is 24.7 km with conventional HE-FRAG, about 29 km extended and up to about 36 km with rocket-assisted shells. A T-80-based chassis with an 840 hp V-84A diesel gives about 60 km/h.
Production reportedly continues at Uraltransmash, with several hundred to roughly 1,000 built (estimates vary widely). Russia’s active inventory is roughly 300-500 by open-source estimates, falling with losses since 2022. Azerbaijan bought about 18 and used them in the 2020 Karabakh war, and Ukraine inherited a few. The 2S19M1 improved fire control and the 2S19M2 Msta-SM2 entered use around 2020. Combat use includes Chechnya, Georgia 2008 and Ukraine.
2S19 Msta-S Specifications: Weight, Armament, Armor and Mobility
2S19 Msta-S Variants and Versions Compared
The 2S19 is the base Msta-S with a 152 mm/47 gun and a 50-round load.
The 2S19M1 adds improved fire control and navigation from the 2000s.
The 2S19M2 (Msta-SM2) has a modernised digital system and autonomous operation, in use since around 2020.
Which Countries Use the 2S19 Msta-S? Operators and Users
Russia
Azerbaijan
Ukraine2S19 Msta-S FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
What is the range of the Msta-S?
The Msta-S has a range of 24.7 km with conventional HE-FRAG shells, up to about 36 km with rocket-assisted projectiles. Krasnopol guided shells extend precision engagement to around 20-25 km.
How many Msta-S does Russia have?
Russia operates roughly 300-500 Msta-S howitzers in its active inventory, according to open-source estimates. Numbers have dropped since 2022 due to documented losses.
How much does the Msta-S cost?
The 2S19 Msta-S has no officially published price. Trade-press speculation, unverified, quotes a Russian export price of around US$3 million per unit.
Msta-S vs PzH 2000: which is better?
The PzH 2000 has the edge in range, rate of fire and crew protection, while the Msta-S has a larger 152 mm calibre. The Msta-S fires 7-8 rounds per minute against the PzH 2000’s higher burst rate.
Which countries use the Msta-S?
The Msta-S is used by Russia, Azerbaijan (about 18 reported) and Ukraine, which inherited a small number from Soviet stocks. It has not been widely exported.
Does Türkiye use the Msta-S?
No, Türkiye does not use the 2S19 Msta-S. The Turkish equivalent is the T-155 Fırtına, which is based on the K9.