(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Slovakia’s defense company, KONŠTRUKTA-Defence, has successfully completed a series of critical tests on the latest variant of its enhanced “Eva” 155mm 52 cal self-propelled howitzer.
These crucial tests, including the initial live-fire trial, were conducted to ensure the structural integrity and stability of the upgraded artillery system, now known as the “Eva M2”.
The “Eva M2” also underwent performance evaluations on steep gradients and in various challenging environments.
“The successful completion of these tests demonstrates the robust design and operational reliability of the Eva M2 self-propelled howitzer.”
The “Eva” 155mm 52 cal self-propelled howitzer, developed by Slovakia’s KONŠTRUKTA-Defence, is among the systems being considered by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence for acquisition by the Malaysian Army.
(VIDEO BY KONŠTRUKTA-Defence)
In fact, the “Eva” system is regarded as a frontrunner to win the contract in Malaysia, competing against other contenders such as the “Yavuz” from Turkey’s MKE and the “Caesar” from France’s NEXTER Systems.
Earlier in March, it was reported that the Ministry of Finance (MoF) had issued a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the local company Global Komited for the acquisition of the “Eva” 155mm self-propelled artillery system for the Malaysian Army.
Global Komited is a subsidiary of the Weststar Group.
This claim was made by Member of Parliament Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang), who questioned Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khalid Nordin about the procurement during the ministry’s debate on the Royal Address in the Dewan Rakyat.
“Is it true that the Ministry of Finance has issued an LOI worth RM805 million to Global Komited, a subsidiary of the Weststar Group, for the acquisition of the EVA 155mm mobile artillery system?” the MP asked the Defence Minister in the Dewan Rakyat.
He alleged that the Ministry of Finance selected the “Eva” 155mm mobile artillery system over other contenders, including the CAESAR 155mm developed by France’s NEXTER.
In response, the Defence Minister stated that the proposal for the 155mm self-propelled artillery system for the Malaysian Army is still under consideration.
“It’s not final yet, so we’re still waiting to see from whom and where we will ultimately procure this equipment,” the Defence Minister said.
He emphasized that all defense procurement processes by the Ministry of Defence are conducted according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and circulars outlined by the Ministry of Finance.
The “Eva” 155mm mobile artillery system, developed by KONŠTRUKTA-Defence, received partial funding for its development from the Slovak Ministry of Defence.
The “Eva” 155mm was first publicly unveiled in 2015.
Based on the Tatra T810 6×6 vehicle, the system uses a 155mm/L52 cannon and is capable of firing all types of ammunition that meet NATO standards.
The “Eva” 155mm 52 Cal is an autonomous artillery system equipped with an automatic loading system, allowing for effective firing with both direct and indirect targeting.
One of the most notable features of the “Eva” 155mm system is its high mobility, due to the weight of its cannon.
Additional features include crew protection against infantry weapons, long-range attacks, rapid system setup, accurate firing, and the ability to execute “Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact” (MRSI) missions.
The “Eva” 155mm, reportedly developed within just nine months, can fire five rounds in one minute, nine rounds in two minutes, or 12 rounds in three minutes.
The 22-ton system is operated by a three-person crew consisting of a commander, gunner, and driver.
The artillery system is also equipped with a Fire Control System (FCS), which primarily manages the system’s technical needs, monitors activities, and gathers additional data such as topography and ballistics for firing calculations.
Its maximum firing range is 41km with ERFB-BB (Extended-Range Full-Bore with Base Burn) ammunition and over 50km with VLAP (Very Long Artillery Projectile) rounds. — DSA