Modern Russian high-power artillery is based on several pieces of equipment. These are self-propelled guns of 203 mm caliber 2S7 "Pion" and 2S7M "Malka", as well as 240-mm self-propelled mortars 2S4 "Tulip". Currently, the program of modernization of "Malok" and "Tulips" is being carried out, aimed at improving their fighting qualities and ensuring compliance with modern requirements. According to the latest reports, the process of updating the equipment is nearing completion.
Modernization progress
The first reports of plans to modernize the 2S7M and 2S4 systems appeared in January last year. By the time they were published, the Ministry of Defense and enterprises from the NPK Uralvagonzavod had completed the development of the project and started work on real equipment. At the same time, some details of the modernization started were disclosed.
At the end of September 2018, NPK Uralvagonzavod published new technical details of its modernization. In addition, the deadlines for the completion of the work were announced. The modernization of the 2S7M "Malka" cannons was planned to be completed in 2019. Work on the 2S4 "Tulip" mortars will last a little longer and will be completed in 2020.
On October 6, 2019, RIA Novosti again touched upon the topic of modernizing artillery systems. It is asserted that work on "Malka" and "Tulip" is coming to an end and will be completed in the very near future. In addition, information was provided on the first use of modernized self-propelled guns using modern reconnaissance and target designation.
Thus, in the very near future, the armed forces will receive the latest modernized 2S7M and 2S4 vehicles, and with them a number of new capabilities. High-powered artillery will become more mobile, be able to strike further and more accurately, and will also increase its effectiveness due to new controls.
Modernization principles
The technical details of the two projects were published last year. A major overhaul of equipment is proposed in order to restore its readiness. It also provides for the replacement of part of the components and assemblies due to moral and physical obsolescence, as well as due to the need to abandon foreign components. Finally, the technique should receive new means to ensure the growth of combat characteristics.
The project for the modernization of 2S7 / 2S7M machines suggests carrying out quite serious work. In addition to the repair of equipment, the gearbox and other transmission units are being replaced with modern products of the domestic industry. Power supply facilities are being updated in accordance with the new composition of equipment and increased requirements. The anti-nuclear protection system is being finalized. It also provides for the replacement of viewing devices at the crew's workplaces.
The most important and interesting innovations concern the complex of onboard electronics. The means of communication, reception and processing of target designation from external sources are being replaced. With the help of new devices, "Malka" will be able to fully operate within the framework of a unified tactical control system. The reception of data from the higher command, from intelligence, etc. will be provided. In addition, it becomes possible to introduce fundamentally new reconnaissance means for the 2S7M.
Self-propelled mortar 2S4 "Tulip" is built on a fairly successful tracked chassis, which does not need any improvements yet. Power plant, chassis, body, etc. remain unchanged, although they are undergoing necessary repairs. The main armament also remains the same. At the same time, part of the onboard systems are being replaced and new devices are being installed.
New viewing devices and an improved system of protection against weapons of mass destruction are intended for the Tulips. It was reported about the alteration of additional weapons. In the basic version, the 2C4 carries a turret with a PKT machine gun. After upgrading, a different weapon is used on a different installation.
As in the case of "Malka", "Pion" receives new means of communication and data processing to work as part of a unified tactical command and control system. As a result, the modernized mortar receives all the advantages provided by modern means of communication and control.
Consequences of modernization
Repair and modernization of tracked chassis used as part of 2C4 and 2C7, allows you to keep the mobility of equipment at the required level. Such characteristics of high-power systems meet the requirements associated with their tactical tasks. Updating viewing devices and self-defense weapons leads to obvious consequences. The main armament of self-propelled guns remains the same, which allows you to retain some of the combat characteristics and increase others.
The most important element of the ongoing modernization is the replacement of communications with the integration of combat vehicles into unified command and control systems. This makes it very easy to get information about goals from different sources.
In open sources, it was repeatedly mentioned that now "Malka" and "Tulip" can receive target designation from ground reconnaissance units, from satellites and aircraft, as well as from units using unmanned aerial vehicles. Integration into single contours simplifies and speeds up the transfer of data from reconnaissance to gunners. Accordingly, the time from target detection to its destruction by gun fire is reduced.
Upgrade check
New principles of target search and target designation for high-power artillery have already been tested in practice. On September 23, the press service of the Ministry of Defense announced the first use of the Malka self-propelled guns in conjunction with an unmanned reconnaissance aircraft.
During the exercises at the Trekhrechye training ground (Amur Region), a 2S7M self-propelled unit from the Eastern Military District received a training mission to hit targets of a simulated enemy. The range to targets was 40 km. To clarify the location of the targets, it was decided to use the Orlan-10 reconnaissance UAV. Its operator received reconnaissance data and precise coordinates of targets in real time. Using them, the artillerymen on the "Malki" successfully hit the underground command post and the warehouses of the imaginary enemy.
The Ministry of Defense indicates that the joint use of self-propelled guns and UAVs increases the effectiveness of artillery strikes. It becomes possible to use high-power projectiles at long ranges with the effectiveness of high-precision weapons systems.
It is to be expected that in the near future the upgraded 2S7M cannons from other units will again go to the training grounds for solving combat training missions, incl. using new means of intelligence, communication and data transmission. Then similar events should take place with the participation of self-propelled mortars 2S4 "Tulip", returned from modernization. The artillerymen will have to master the improved technique, as well as test their skills in practice.
Modernization potential
Despite the emergence of various new weapons systems with high range and accuracy characteristics, artillery retains its potential and remains the most important component of the ground forces. High-power systems, such as the 2S7M or 2S4, have high characteristics and are an effective means of delivering strikes at considerable depths, which contributes to their preservation in the army.
Moreover, a program for the modernization of self-propelled guns is being implemented and is coming to an end, aimed at expanding their capabilities and improving their combat qualities. This means that 203 and 240 mm artillery systems will remain in service and continue to serve as special tools for solving special problems. At the same time, the current update will ensure their compliance with modern requirements and extend the terms of effective operation.
According to the latest data, the modernization of self-propelled guns 2S7M "Malka" and 2S4 "Tulip" is coming to an end. A significant number of such equipment was repaired and updated, after which it returned to service - some combat vehicles have already managed to test new capabilities in practice. High-power artillery continues to serve and tries to keep up with the times.
