Krasnopol is ready for UAV applications

155 mm Krasnopol-M2 guided missile. Photo © Vitaly Kuzmin

Pilot operation of a version of the Krasnopol guided artillery ammunition for use from unmanned aerial vehicles has been completed. This was reported at the MILEX-2023 exhibition by the High Precision Systems holding.

“The development of a modified guided corrective munition for use from unmanned aircraft carriers has been completed. Pilot operation of the product with positive results has been conducted,” TASS quoted a representative of the holding as saying.

Semyon Pogorelsky, head of the Shipunov Instrument Design Bureau, told Channel One in December 2022 that Russia had developed a modification of the Krasnopol artillery shell for use from aircraft carriers.

The Russian military’s air defence system uses Krasnopol shells guided by a laser rangefinder drone, which is hovering over the target area. The projectile’s trajectory is corrected on approach to the target by aerodynamic rudders. The 152-mm projectile can be used by all types of artillery systems, including modern self-propelled howitzers. Its range reaches 20 km and weight of the warhead is 8 kg.

The latest modification of the projectile, Krasnopol-M2, has a calibre of 155 mm and a range of 26 km. Accuracy of engaging small targets has also been improved. In addition, the projectile can be used with GLONASS if precise target coordinates are available.