Rostec, the state-owned corporation, on October 20 said it had completed state tests for the 152mm self-propelled artillery gun “Koalitsiya-SV,” validating the system’s distinctive technical attributes. It outperforms the most advanced Russian and international models in terms of firing range, accuracy, and the time required to complete combat duties, according to Rostec.
The official press release from Rostec asserts that the self-propelled howitzer Koalitsiya-SV represents a noteworthy milestone in advancing domestic artillery rather than merely another instance. Its extensive automation distinguishes it. From an isolated armoured capsule, the personnel exercises remote control over the combat vehicle. In modern combat environments, the “Koalitsiya-SV” artillery weapon model exhibits a notably reduced reaction time when identifying unforeseen targets, a particularly critical feature.
Earliest serial specimens of this self-propelled howitzer will undoubtedly be deployed to the Eastern Military District without delay. This is an area with a significant demand for such a system. The deployment of this new artillery system into the theatre of battle will represent a significant advancement in counter-battery operations, an area in which Russia is lagging. The problem is that the projectile length of NATO 155mm calibre artillery systems is 52 calibres, which enables them to engage targets at distances of up to 40 kilometres. On the contrary, Russian artillery of an equivalent calibre (152mm) sports a 28-calibre barrel capable of throwing at a maximum range of 25 kilometres.
Simply put, Russian forces are unable to penetrate the Ukrainian batteries that continue to bombard Russian positions without consequence. In contrast, the projectile length of the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled howitzer is 52 calibres. It has an effective range of 70 to 80 kilometres and a maximum rate of fire of 10 projectiles per minute. Moreover, the system exhibits a striking resemblance to a “combat robot” due to the complete automation of its systems.
A 152mm inter-service artillery system, Koalitsiya-SV, is built upon the chassis of the T-90 tank. A crew of three individuals operates it, and it has a capacity of 70 rounds of ammunition. Its maximum rate of fire is sixteen cartridges per minute, which is greater than that of Western artillery of comparable calibre.
The 2A88 152mm gun is the principal armament of the 2S35 self-propelled artillery system Koalitsiya-SV. Without requiring the weapon to be returned to the loading line, the Koalitsiya-SV can be reloaded at any vertical angle owing to the loading mechanism’s build. A notable distinction between the 2A88 and other 152mm cannons is that the former employs a cartridge-based loading mechanism instead of relying on bagged propellant charges.
It is noteworthy to specify that the cartridge employed in the Koalitsiya-SV consists of compressed powder cylinders with a circular cross-section rather than a powder sack. It is not easy to ignite this cartridge charge using an exposed flame. An alternative method is to use a specialised microwave initiation mechanism to ignite the cartridge charge. The cartridge-based system and these modifications to the loading mechanism are what enable the high rate of fire.
Comparable calibre ammunition, including that used in the “Msta-S” howitzer, is incompatible with the 152mm ammunition suitable for the Koalitsiya-SV. They were developed in particular for the Koalitsiya-SV howitzer.
Guided munitions using the “Krasnopol” projectile and fragmentation-fragmentation high-explosive shells comprise the standard ammunition for the Koalitsiya-SV. In addition, projectiles designed for specific purposes—illumination, smoke, and incendiary—can be used.
A mechanism is integrated into the Koalitsiya-SV to automate the gun aiming, target selection, navigation, and positioning procedures. The terminals of the gunner and commander are furnished with displays that show data gathered from a unified information and command system. By integrating these self-propelled artillery systems into a unified command and control system, it becomes possible to conduct terrain surveillance continuously, independently calculate firing solutions, and modify their fire in response to target designations received via digital communication channels.
An attribute that distinguishes this new howitzer is its capability to function in a mode that enables it to discharge an uninterrupted barrage of targets. When the necessity arises to penetrate a substantial fortified region, for instance, the Koalitsiya-SV can be converted to a specialised mode that entails the discharge of 12–14 projectiles at varying elevation angles. This capability enables it to bombard broad regions with fire, with nearly all projectiles striking the ground simultaneously, thereby impeding the adversary’s ability to alter its position. Fundamentally, this artillery component executes a function primarily undertaken by multiple-launch rocket systems based on rocket technology.
The original concept for the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled howitzer was for two barrels to be installed in the turret, hence the name. During development, the same high shooting characteristics were attained with a single gun. This long-range howitzer can destroy any enemy target up to 70 kilometres away when used with rocket-based multiple-launch rocket systems like “Smerch” and “Tornado-S.”
This new self-propelled howitzer’s chassis comprises three distinct compartments: command, combat, and powertrain and gearbox. The driver is positioned in the centre of the command compartment with the control devices, while the gun commander and gunner occupy the areas to the driver’s left and right, respectively. Notably, the personnel of the comparable self-propelled artillery system “Msta-S” consists of five personnel.
The location of the automated combat compartment is central to the chassis. Both the discharge and loading of the shells are executed in an automated fashion. Two laser warning sensors are installed on the rear and front sections of the roof. The location of the gearbox and powertrain compartment is in the rear of the vehicle.
In 2015, the Koalitsiya-SV made its inaugural appearance at the Victory Day procession. Several units were delivered to the Army five years later; however, information regarding their use during the Ukraine conflict is scarce.
This self-propelled weapon was developed at the “Burevestnik” branch of the Nizhny Novgorod Central Research Institute, which is a subsidiary of the Uralvagonzavod concern.
Wheeled Koalitsiya-SV
In 2020, it was revealed that Koalitsiya-SV’s wheeled version mounted on the KamAZ-6550 truck was undergoing tests.
Vasily Nabatov, the department head and chief designer of the JSC “Central Research Institute “Burevestnik” (a division of the Rostec state corporation’s JSC “Concern “Uralvagonzavod”), stated that the organisation had recently expanded its product line. It is essential to acknowledge that tracked carriers, despite their considerable advantages, such as substantial payload capacity, exceptional cross-country capability, and substantial armour protection, do possess several drawbacks. Simultaneously, wheeled vehicles possess several benefits over tracked vehicles, including the ability to operate on public roadways, enhanced mobility, an extended cruising range, and an exceptionally lengthy service life.
In comparison, tracked vehicles have an approximate 5,000-kilometer service life before requiring significant maintenance, whereas a wheeled vehicle has just completed its 5,000-kilometer run-in. The trucks are more mobile, lighter, air-transportable, and capable of traversing vast distances easily.
Currently, there is no information about this variant.