Russian forces in Ukraine have deployed the latest generation of precision-guided artillery shells, the ZOF95 “Krasnopol-M2,” to engage Ukrainian targets with pinpoint accuracy at ranges of up to 40 kilometers. According to Russian military expert Yevgeny Damantsev, the Krasnopol-M2 has been used in combat operations with the 2A36 “Giatsint-B” rifled towed gun, which features a barrel length of 47 calibers. In addition to the 2A36, other artillery systems capable of firing the Krasnopol-M2 include the 2S5 “Giatsint-S” self-propelled gun and the wheeled 2S43M “Malva” howitzer, offering a firing range of between 35 to 40 kilometers.
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Russian-made Krasnopol-M2 laser-guided artillery shell, capable of striking targets with high precision at ranges up to 40 km, enhancing accuracy and effectiveness on the battlefield. (Picture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)
The Krasnopol-M2 is a 152mm laser-guided artillery shell designed for high-precision strikes on enemy positions, command posts, and fortified structures. It utilizes a semi-active laser homing system that enables the projectile to home in on targets designated by forward observers or drones. This system ensures a circular error probable (CEP) of 1-2 meters, far superior to traditional unguided artillery shells. The shell carries a high-explosive fragmentation warhead capable of neutralizing both personnel and armored targets with a high degree of efficiency.
While the 2A36, 2S5, and 2S43 are among the primary artillery systems used to fire the Krasnopol-M2, additional platforms in the Russian arsenal are also compatible with the projectile. These include the self-propelled 2S19 “Msta-S,” which features an autoloader capable of handling guided munitions, and its towed counterpart, the 2A65 “Msta-B.” Both of these systems have a firing range of up to 25 kilometers with the Krasnopol-M2. Furthermore, the older but still widely deployed 2S3 “Akatsiya” self-propelled howitzer, with a shorter barrel length, can fire the Krasnopol-M2 to ranges of approximately 20 kilometers. The cutting-edge 2S35 “Koalitsiya-SV,” with its 152mm 52-caliber gun, represents the latest advancement in Russian artillery and can extend the reach of the Krasnopol-M2 to up to 60 kilometers.
The introduction of laser-guided artillery shells like the Krasnopol-M2 provides Russian forces with a significant battlefield advantage over standard artillery ammunition. Conventional unguided shells, while effective for area suppression, typically have a CEP of 50-200 meters, making them less reliable for precision strikes. In contrast, the Krasnopol-M2 allows for reduced ammunition consumption and more effective engagement of high-value targets with minimal collateral damage. The precision guidance system also enhances counter-battery operations, allowing Russian forces to strike enemy artillery positions with greater efficiency.
Another crucial advantage of the Krasnopol-M2 lies in its compatibility with modern reconnaissance and targeting technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can laser-designate targets in real time. This synergy between advanced munitions and drone-based reconnaissance improves target acquisition and engagement speed, making it an essential component of modern warfare.
The ongoing deployment of the Krasnopol-M2 in Ukraine highlights Russia’s strategic shift towards precision warfare, reducing reliance on massed artillery bombardments and focusing on high-value target elimination. However, this development also poses challenges for Ukrainian forces, who must now contend with a growing arsenal of guided munitions capable of striking with extreme accuracy. Countermeasures such as electronic warfare systems, rapid mobility tactics, and the deployment of decoy targets will be essential to mitigating the effectiveness of Russian precision artillery.
As the conflict continues, the increased use of precision-guided artillery rounds like the Krasnopol-M2 underscores the evolving nature of modern artillery warfare, where accuracy, speed, and integration with advanced targeting systems play a pivotal role in achieving battlefield superiority.
