Production of 152-mm howitzer 2A65 "MSTA-B" began in 1987. Howitzer is intended for destruction of tactical nuclear attack weapons, artillery and mortar batteries, tanks and other armoured equipment, for annihilation of field fortifications and other defence structures, for suppression of hostile manpower and fire means, control posts, anti-aircraft and anti-missile defences.

The "MSTA-B" gun is provided with semi-automatic breech mechanism, spring-actuated thrust type shell and cartriage rammers, hydraulic counter-recoil devices with liquid cooling of the recoil brake, hydraulic jack with a tray allowing to fire when the wheels are suspended, two-speed arc-type elevating and two-speed screw traversing mechanisms, sighting device for indirect and direct fire, pneumatic wheel braking system, trails with rollers and folding spades.