Russian Army to begin testing longest range howitzer

The Russian army will begin testing its self-propelled “Coalition-SV” howitzer next year, Izvestia revealed, citing sources.

The outlet added that the trials of the 152 mm howitzer, claimed to have the world’s longest firing range, will be wrapped up by September next year.

Depending on the outcome, the state commission will decide whether to sign a development contract for the weapon. The military department will study the documents provided by the commission and decide whether to induct the howitzer by December 2022.

The Coalition’s firing range of 70-80 km (43-50 miles) is more than double that of the 2S19 at 30 km (18.6 miles). The gun’s range is on par with the American Extended Range Cannon Artillery, currently under development. The weapon reportedly fired its longest shot this year at 43.5 miles (70 km) using an M982A1 Excalibur guided artillery shell.