Msta-S is based on the body of the T-80 tank, but equipped with a T-72 engine. A kind of hybrid between these two vehicles, it started as a project back in the 80s under the code name Obyekt 316 or Ferma. It entered service in 1989, but first saw action in the Second Chechen War 10 years later. It was also used in the war in Donbas in 2014 by both sides. The separatists, having only one captured, against the Ukrainian army, which has him in service. Allegedly.
It is the heir to the self-propelled artillery howitzer 2C3 "Acacia" manufactured by "Uraltransmash". 2S19 is used by Azerbaijan, Belarus, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ukraine, Venezuela, Morocco and, of course, Russia. It gained popularity recently with a show that was held at RAE 2013 and 2015 where split camo schemes were shown on both the old and improved versions of the Msta. Several demonstration firings were shown to the public, promoting this car to potential new buyers.
