Deep modernization of artillery has enhanced its combat capabilities in defensive and offensive operations
2S33 Msta-SM2 is the latest upgraded version of the 2S19 Msta-S family
According to Russian media, 15 units of the 2S33 Msta-SM2 152 mm self-propelled howitzer
have been put into service with Combined Arms Army located in Moscow region
2S33 was first revealed publicly in 2013.
Improved version currently in production equipped with a new automatic fire control system
which increases the rate of fire
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 mm/L60 ordnance that has improved ballistics
It can fire ammunition with more propellant charges and with a higher breech pressure than the 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 shell is 30 km and 40 km with rocket-assisted shell
The original 2S19 Msta-S had a maximum range of 24 km with standard HE-FRAG shell and nearly 29 km with rocket-assisted shell
So that’s a significant improvement in range
The Msta-SM2 is compatible with all standard 152 mm ammunition used by the 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzer
A wide range of 152 mm ammunition is available, including standard and rocket-assisted HE-FRAG shells
cluster shells with anti-tank submunitions, jammer carrying shells and so on
This artillery system is compatible with newly-developed Krasnopol-D precision-guided munitions with GPS guidance
These munitions have a range of up to 43 km
This Russian artillery system is also compatible with older Krasnopol-M2 laser-guided munitions that have a range of up to 26 km
The 2S33 is fitted with a semi-automatic loading system.
The gun can be loaded at any angle
It has a claimed firing rate of more than 10 shells per minute
A total of 50 shells and associated charges are stored inside
There is a rear-mounted conveyer which is used for loading of ground ammunition
Though for loading of ground ammunition two additional soldiers are required
Ammunition is normally carried by escorting trucks
The secondary weapon is a remotely controlled 12.7 mm machine gun for self-defense
Hull and turret of this artillery system are of welded steel armor construction
Though the armor is rather thin. It provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters
There is also an NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems