Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu recently expressed criticism of the delayed mass production of the 2S35 self-propelled gun by the Ural Transport Machine-Building Corporation. This new generation tracked self-propelled gun, called "Soyuz-SV", is considered to have a maximum firing range of 70 km and can be used as a replacement for the Soviet-era 2S19 self-propelled gun. However, due to serious shortcomings in the real combat environment, the mass production of this gun was postponed. This is by no means good news for the Russian army, as they have been waiting for the arrival of this new type of equipment. 2S35 "Soyuz-SV" is considered an important strategy of the Russian army**. Self-propelled guns with long-range fire strike capabilities are essential for modern warfare. However, the news of the postponement of the mass production plans of the Ural Transport Machine-Building Company raises concerns and questions.
What exactly is wrong with this artillery? Why can't I meet the expected results in a real combat environment? According to some ***, a series of problems arose with the 2S35 "Soyuz-SV" during combat tests. These include the artillery's unstable range, low accuracy, and miscalculations of its trajectory. These problems seriously affected the combat effectiveness and use value of artillery. In order to ensure firepower superiority on the battlefield, the Russian army wants to solve these problems as soon as possible and advance the mass production of artillery. However, this is not the first time that the Ural Transport Machine-Building Company has faced similar problems. Back in 2018, the company postponed the mass production program due to technical problems with the 2S35 self-propelled gun. At that time, some experts believed that the design of this gun was flawed and needed further improvement.
However, two years later, the problem remains, which raises questions about the future of the artillery. The delayed mass production of artillery is not only a criticism of the Ural transport machine-building company, but also confronts the Russian army with a number of problems. First of all, the delayed mass production of artillery will lead to the loss of firepower superiority of the Russian army in modern warfare. Self-propelled guns with a longer range and higher accuracy are essential for operations on the battlefield, and the existing 2S19 self-propelled guns can no longer meet the needs of modern warfare. Secondly, the delay in mass production will also lead to a delay in the process of modernizing the army. The Russian army has been trying to update its equipment and improve its combat capabilities, but the problem of artillery has become a major problem for them.
Faced with this situation, the Russian army and the Ural Transport Machine-Building Company need to strengthen communication and cooperation to jointly solve technical problems with artillery. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu also said that supervision of the Ural Transport Machine-Building Company will be strengthened to ensure that the quality and performance of artillery meet the requirements. At the same time, he also called on military enterprises to strengthen technological innovation and raise the level of product research and development to meet the needs of military modernization. The delayed mass production of the 2S35 Soyuz-SV self-propelled gun not only affects the Russian army, but also raises concerns about the military-industrial complex. As an important defense industry project, the successful development and mass production of artillery is critical for the modernization of the Russian army. Therefore, the Ural Transport Machinery Manufacturing Company needs to strengthen technology research and development and improve product quality to meet the needs of national defense.
In conclusion, the delayed mass production of the 2S35 "Soyuz-SV" self-propelled gun raises concerns and questions. The Russian army needs to solve the technical problems of artillery as soon as possible and move forward with mass production work to ensure firepower superiority on the battlefield. At the same time, the Ural Transport Machinery Manufacturing Company also needs to strengthen technological innovation and improve product quality to meet the needs of national defense. The goals of the modernization of the Russian army can be achieved only through joint efforts. The arms race between Ukraine and Russia has always attracted much attention, and recently, artillery equipment has become the focus of this wrestling. The artillery equipment of the Ukrainian army has received assistance from Germany, France and Poland, and it has self-propelled guns with a long range, which has put a certain pressure on the Russian army.
And the 2S19 self-propelled guns of the Russian army did not appear to be powerful enough in long-range artillery combat, forcing them to look for a solution. At the moment, the only thing that the Russian army can compete with Western self-propelled artillery is the BM-30 "Tornado" multiple rocket launchers. However, due to the restrictions on its use rights, it can only be applied to higher-level troops. This makes the Russian army appear somewhat undominant in long-range artillery battles. Faced with this dilemma, Russia may consider importing SH-15 truck guns from China. The SH-15 adopted a 155 mm caliber and 52 times diameter gun, with a firing range of about 70 km and a relatively low **. Although the Russian authorities are not currently considering the introduction of the SH-15, if they cannot solve the dilemma of artillery equipment, they may consider buying China's foreign trade equipment.
Artillery equipment plays a pivotal role in modern warfare, they can provide long-range fire support, deliver effective strikes against enemy positions and targets. The Ukrainian army, by introducing Western self-propelled guns, clearly has a certain advantage in this regard. And the 2S19 self-propelled guns of the Russian army, although they are excellent in other aspects, are not powerful enough in range. Because of this, Russia is looking for solutions to make up for this shortcoming. The SH-15 truck gun became an alternative. This Chinese-made artillery equipment has a long firing range and can effectively carry out long-range strikes. Although Russian officials are not currently considering the introduction of such equipment, if they cannot change the predicament of artillery equipment, this may be a viable option. However, this also raises some questions.
First of all, is China ready to export this advanced artillery equipment to Russia? After all, Russia has always been one of China's important arms export markets. Secondly, if Russia buys SH-15 truck guns, how will it affect the security situation in Ukraine and other neighboring countries? Ukraine has already strengthened its military by bringing in Western equipment, and Russia's move could increase tensions in the region. As time goes on, the Russian-Ukrainian arms race will continue to escalate, and artillery equipment will continue to be the focus of contention between the two sides. Both the Ukrainian Western self-propelled guns and the Russian BM-30 "Tornado" multiple rocket launchers demonstrate the technological prowess of their respective countries in this area.
China's SH-15 truck gun may become an option for Russia to solve the range problem, but there is still some uncertainty about whether it can be successfully introduced and the impact on the regional security situation. In conclusion, artillery equipment plays an important role in modern warfare, and the competition between Ukraine and Russia in this area will continue to be fierce. Whether it is the introduction of Western equipment or the choice of Chinese equipment, it will have a major impact on the armament pattern and the regional security situation. We'll have to wait and see how this tussle ultimately evolves.