Source: Russian Defense Ministry Press Service
Somewhere in Russian occupied Ukraine, a Russian 2S19 Msta-S 152mm SPH (Self-Propelled Howitzer) moves into a position on October 29, 2025. The symbol on the hull front, below the blurred image of the driver, is what is sometimes termed as a “theater tactical” symbol. These are used to identify Russian vehicles from Ukrainian ones since in many cases, both sides are using the same equipment. This particular theater tactical symbol first appeared in May 2024 on Russian vehicles during combat actions in Kharkiv Oblast.
The 2S19 is liberally draped in rubber panels made from conveyor belts. Fairly easy to obtain, conveyor belts often find use as appliqué armor where they are cut into pieces and applied as best possible to combat vehicles. The main purpose is to offer a small measure of protection from HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank) munitions. The turret of the 2S19 has a metal frame to which the panels are hung and a portion of that frame can be seen above the turret. A panel hangs down from the front of the 2S19, protecting the lower glacis while panels on the sides of the 2S19 hang almost to the ground. Atop the entire turret is a camouflage net. What could be a video camera can just be seen attached to the visible portion of the metal frame.
Since the 2S19 isn't meant to be on the front lines, relying on the range of its howitzer to keep it further back from the majority of prowling FPV drones, it doesn't carry the extensive anti-drone defenses seen on vehicles much closer to the front. Such defenses include drone jammers, more extensive screen armor, explosive reactive armor blocks, and wire/cable “spike” armor.
For more information on the 2S19 Msta-S, visit:
https://photosofmilitaryhistory.blogspot.com/2023/07/russo-ukrainian-war-2s19-msta.html
No comments:
Post a Comment