“Suddenly, We’re Discussing Slovakia’s 155mm ‘EVA’ SPH System”…

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The recent closure of the self-propelled howitzer (SPH) system tender for the Malaysian Army, with the winner expected to be announced imminently (possibly during the Defence Services Asia 2024 exhibition this May), has sparked considerable interest.

Among the buzz in local defense social media circles, the 155mm CAESAR system developed by French firm NEXTER is rumored to be the frontrunner for the Ministry of Defence’s contract.

While the CAESAR system is widely-used regionally, it faces stiff competition from other SPH systems, including the “Yavuz” 155mm 52cal SPH developed by the Turkish defense conglomerate MKE, which has reportedly offered an exceptionally attractive package.

However, due to some interesting “information” received, Defence Security Asia is “suddenly” interested to shed some much-needed light on another contender in the Ministry of Defence’s tender: the “EVA” system developed by a Slovak defense company.

Two years ago, the “EVA” SPH system courted local defence interest due to a mid-September 2022 report by an international defense portal, which claimed that the Malaysian Ministry of Defence was in negotiations to acquire the Slovak-developed “EVA” system.

 

The report cited an article published by the Slovak think tank, Institute for Central Europe (ICE), as its source.

According to the ICE article, an acquisition agreement for between 16 to 18 “EVA” units was expected to be signed with Slovak defense firm Konstrukta Defence soon.

EVA is a Slovak-made self-propelled howitzer, developed by Konstrukta Defence and publicly revealed in 2015. 

The final specifications for Malaysia’s acquisition and potential licensed production details were still pending at the time of the report.

Based on the Tatra T810 6×6 vehicle, it features a 155mm/L52 gun capable of firing all NATO-standard ammunition.

The 155mm 52 Cal “EVA” SPH is an autonomous artillery system with an automatic loading system, enabling effective firing with both direct and indirect targeting.

 

Its design is based on the proven effectiveness of the 155mm 52 Cal mobile gun, and it has undergone extensive and rigorous testing in Slovakia and abroad.

Among the “EVA” system’s key features are its high mobility due to its lightweight design, crew protection against infantry weapons and long-range attacks, rapid deployment, precise targeting, and the ability to perform “Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact” (MRSI) firing.

Developed within just nine months, the “EVA” can fire five rounds in one minute, nine in two minutes, or 12 in three minutes.

With Rocket-Assisted Projectiles (RAP), its range extends to 41km.

Operated by a three-member crew (commander, gunner, and driver), the 22-ton vehicle is equipped with a Fire Control System (FCS) that manages technical requirements and monitors system activities while ensuring the integration of data such as topography and ballistics for firing calculations.

The official winner of the tender for the 18 SPH units for the Army will likely be revealed at the DSA 2024 exhibition in May.

The country’s defense community eagerly awaits the announcement. — DSA

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