Self-Propelled Howitzer
2S7 Pion / Malka
The 2S7 Pion, upgraded as the 2S7M Malka, is a Soviet 203 mm self-propelled gun made at the Kirov Plant, in service since 1975. It fires to 37.5–55 km, weighs 46 t and is one of the heaviest tube artillery systems ever built.
Russia|Kirov PlantOverview
The 2S7 Pion (“peony”) was introduced in 1975, and the modernised 2S7M Malka (“young lady”) followed in 1983 with a more powerful ammunition handling system and a new crew. Its 2A44 203 mm L/50 gun reaches 37.5 km conventionally and 55 km with rocket-assisted rounds, and nuclear-capable rounds of 2 kt were developed in the Soviet era. The vehicle weighs about 46 t and has a crew of seven. The chassis derives from the T-80/T-72 family. Rate of fire is about 1.5 rounds a minute.
Production stopped in the 1990s, with fewer than 500 built. The Pion saw action in Chechnya, including Grozny, reportedly in the 2008 Russo-Georgian war, and in the Russia-Ukraine war, where both sides use the Malka and destroyed examples have been recorded. There is no direct replacement, as the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV and 2S19M2 Msta-S take on the heavy role. Operators are Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Its counterparts include the American M110 and the Soviet 2S5 Giatsint-S.
Key Specifications
Variants
The 2S7 is the original Pion, a 203 mm self-propelled gun introduced in 1975.
The 2S7M is the modernised Malka with improved ammunition handling and rate of fire.
The 2S7M Malka is the upgraded 1983 version with a new crew and loading system.
Operators
Russia
Ukraine
BelarusFrequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the 2S7 Pion?
The 2S7 Pion has a range of 37.5 km with conventional ammunition and up to 55 km with rocket-assisted rounds. Its 203 mm gun is one of the largest self-propelled guns ever fielded.
How many 2S7 Pion were built?
Fewer than 500 2S7 Pion and Malka guns were built. Production stopped in the 1990s. It is one of the heaviest tube artillery systems ever produced, at about 46 t.
Which countries use the 2S7 Pion?
The 2S7 Pion and Malka is used by Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Both Russia and Ukraine have used it in the war. Production ended in the 1990s, and the type has no direct replacement.
2S7 Pion vs M110: what is the difference?
The 2S7 Pion has a 203 mm L/50 gun with a range up to 55 km, while the American M110 is a shorter-range 203 mm howitzer. The Pion is much heavier at about 46 t.
Is the 2S7 Pion nuclear-capable?
Yes. The 2S7 Pion could fire nuclear-capable rounds of 2 kt, which were developed in the Soviet era. These are not known to be used.
What does Pion and Malka mean?
The 2S7 Pion is named after the Russian word for “peony”, while Malka means “young lady”. Malka is the modernised 2S7M version. The Malka version introduced a more powerful ammunition handling system in 1983.