Rostec Accelerates Deployment of 2S38 Derivatsiya to Ukraine

On January 3, 2025, Russian state media announced that Rostec, the country’s premier defense technology company, is expediting the delivery of the 2S38 Derivatsiya-PVO anti-aircraft gun system to the Russian Armed Forces.

This cutting-edge air defense system is set to bolster Russia’s operational capabilities, particularly in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Designed to counter a broad spectrum of aerial threats, the 2S38 represents a significant step forward in battlefield technology and strategy.

Unmatched Capabilities of the 2S38 Derivatsiya

The 2S38 Derivatsiya-PVO stands out as the world’s only anti-aircraft gun system equipped with a 57-mm rifled automatic cannon capable of targeting aerial threats with precision.

Its main weapon, the 2A90 57mm cannon, is a high-performance system that combines advanced targeting features with a high rate of fire. This makes it particularly effective against low-flying threats such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cruise missiles, and helicopters.

The cannon’s rate of fire, up to 120 rounds per minute, ensures rapid suppression of enemy targets. It can engage aerial threats at distances ranging from 200 to 6,000 meters and altitudes up to 4,500 meters.

The system’s ability to target objects moving at speeds of up to 500 meters per second highlights its effectiveness against fast-moving aircraft and missile systems.

Furthermore, the gun’s vertical movement range, from -5 to +75 degrees, allows it to engage threats at varying altitudes with ease. To adapt to diverse combat scenarios, the 2S38 uses ammunition from the 57x348SR 281-series family, including the 53-BR-281 Armor-Piercing Capped Ballistic Cap Tracer (APCBC-T) round and the 53-OR-281 High-Explosive Tracer (HE-T) round. These rounds are designed to address a variety of threats, ensuring the system’s versatility on the battlefield.

Strategic Design for Mobility and Adaptability

The 2S38 is developed on the chassis of the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle, offering exceptional mobility and durability. This self-propelled design enables the system to swiftly reposition across the battlefield, providing consistent air defense coverage while supporting ground units. Its compact and agile platform makes it particularly effective in urban environments, where rapid redeployment and adaptability are critical.

Equipped with advanced artillery fire control systems, the 2S38 combines radar and electro-optical sensors to track and engage multiple targets simultaneously. These systems ensure accurate targeting even in complex and contested environments.

The vehicle’s capacity to carry up to 200 rounds of ammunition, depending on the configuration, provides sustained firepower during extended operations.

Although primarily designed to counter aerial threats, the 2S38 Derivatsiya-PVO excels in providing fire support for ground operations. Its high rate of fire and precision targeting make it an effective tool for engaging lightly armored vehicles and enemy fortifications at ranges of up to 3,000 meters.

Military analysts, such as Evgeny Damantsev, emphasize the system’s potential to work in tandem with armored units like tanks. This coordination enhances the protection of ground forces against air attacks while adding an additional layer of firepower during combined arms operations.

In urban combat scenarios, where drone swarms and missile strikes pose significant challenges, the 2S38’s versatility becomes a vital asset.

Testing and Implications on the Ukrainian Battlefield

Deploying the 2S38 in the Ukrainian theater of operations provides a crucial opportunity for Russia to test this advanced system under real-world combat conditions. The diverse and challenging terrain, from open plains to densely populated urban areas, offers an ideal environment to evaluate the system’s performance.

In Ukraine, UAVs and other aerial threats have become integral to modern warfare, often used for reconnaissance, targeting, and precision strikes. The 2S38’s ability to counter these threats could significantly enhance Russian forces’ effectiveness on the battlefield.

Its mobility, combined with its capacity to provide both air defense and ground support, ensures that it remains a versatile and reliable tool in high-intensity operations.

The introduction of the 2S38 Derivatsiya-PVO marks a significant leap in Russia’s air defense capabilities. Its advanced targeting systems, mobility, and dual-role functionality make it a key component in addressing modern aerial and ground threats.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve, the deployment of this system could influence tactical and strategic outcomes. By combining cutting-edge technology with battlefield adaptability, the 2S38 sets a new standard for anti-aircraft systems.

Its success in Ukraine could pave the way for broader adoption of similar technologies, not only within Russia’s military but also among other nations seeking advanced air defense solutions.

In conclusion, the 2S38 Derivatsiya-PVO represents a critical advancement in modern warfare. Its innovative design and operational versatility make it a formidable addition to Russia’s arsenal.

As it undergoes testing in one of the world’s most demanding conflict zones, the 2S38’s performance will likely shape the future of air defense strategies for years to come.