Russia Ready to Field its Latest Air-Defense System, "Derivation-PVO" in Ukraine

Ukraine is set to get a taste of Russia's latest air-defense system, the 2S38 "Derivation-PVO" based on a 57mm automatic cannon.

The key targets for “Derivation-PVO” will be kamikaze UAVs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, including high-speed stealth UJ-23 “Topaz” and the Backfire K1 bomber drone.

The agile air defense system is intended to march with ground troops taking on aerial threats such as low flying helicopters, UAVs, missiles and even ground threats.

Bekhan Ozdoev, the industrial director overseeing weapons, ammunition, and special chemicals at Rostec State Corporation, has emphasized efforts to ensure swift operational readiness for the 57-mm anti-aircraft artillery system, 2S38 "Derivation-PVO," with the earliest possible delivery to Russian Ground Forces combat units.

"Last year we completed the design of 152mm Malva wheeled gun, 82mm Drok self-propelled mortar, 57mm Derivatsia-PVO air defense gun. The hardware enjoys advanced combat qualities and properly protects the crew. It is badly needed in the zone of the special military operation. We realize that and are working to implement the task as soon as possible," he said.

The Derivatsiya-PVO (Floating 57mm 2S38) is an advanced air defense system mounted on a BMP-3 chassis, designed to combat air threats effectively in close-range scenarios. Equipped with the AU-220M "Baikal" combat module featuring a 57mm 2A91 automatic cannon, this system can fire programmable 57x348mm SR ammunition at a rate of 120 shots per minute. Its primary armament enables engagement of air targets such as drones and cruise missiles using controlled-detonation shells. The system boasts a maximum firing distance of 6,000 meters against airborne threats, reaching altitudes of up to 4,500 meters. The cannon has an effective range of 14,500 meters against ground targets, achieving an initial shell speed of 1,000 m/s.

The Derivatsiya-PVO is equipped with a sophisticated fire control system incorporating a modern multispectral optical-electronic module featuring TV/IR channel sighting. This allows precise targeting of various air threats. Detection capabilities are further enhanced by an infrared (IR) channel, enabling the identification of attack helicopters within a range of 10 to 17 kilometers, depending on weather conditions. Additionally, the system can detect specific stealth missiles, like the SCALP-EG, within 3.5 to 5 kilometers in the forward hemisphere, albeit with a limited interception window of 12 to 20 seconds.

To engage and intercept targets effectively, the Derivatsiya-PVO employs a combination of laser range finding and programmable shrapnel projectiles. These projectiles create a dense field of fragments, significantly enhancing the system's ability to intercept airborne threats. The system's versatility extends to countering various air threats, including "kamikaze" UAVs and high-speed stealth threats traveling at speeds exceeding 1,500 km/h. Moreover, it demonstrates effectiveness against ground-based armored vehicles, such as infantry fighting vehicles and main battle tanks, especially when targeted from the side or rear, with armor resistance equivalent to 90-110 mm.