Krasnopol 152-mm guided artillery rounds, designed to neutralize armored targets and military facilities, have been in service since 1995 when the system entered service with the Russian armed forces. They were deployed with notable effect in the Syrian operation and have seen use in the contemporary conflict in Ukraine. The projectile achieves high hit accuracy through a semi-active laser homing head, enabling precision at distances up to 25 kilometers.
Previously, the Russian Ministry of Defense released footage showing Krasnopol rounds striking a concealed command post in the Kyiv region in March. Another clip depicted tanks of the Ukrainian forces being disabled as they prepared to counterattack. In both cases, crews operating 152-mm howitzers of the 2S19 Msta-S family engaged targets while guidance was maintained by the Orion-10 aircraft in the air above.
“There are indications that Krasnopol rounds have been used with several different 152-mm artillery systems. This includes the D-20 and 2A65 Msta-B towed howitzers, as well as the 2S3M Akatsiya, 2S19 Msta-S, and the Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled howitzers. All of these can employ high-precision munitions, with laser targeting requiring additional calculation by the crew,” notes a military analyst.
The upgraded variant features an embedded guidance algorithm within the shell itself. As a result, the Krasnopol warhead can select its own target, and if a more favorable target appears, such as a radar installation, it may prioritize that instead.
“The operator has the option to enable this mode,” explained a retired major general and military expert. Another analyst agreed, adding that Krasnopol can function without satellites or unmanned aerial vehicles, appearing as a conventional round when laser guidance is not employed. With laser illumination provided by a ground station, or in conjunction with a reconnaissance UAV, the same Orion-10 system can sustain the laser beam along the projectile’s path until impact. The ability to achieve accurate fire without zeroing is a key advantage, and this is enhanced by compatibility with drones,” explained a senior military analyst.
The most effective engagement range for tracking small moving targets, including tanks, is around 5–7 kilometers for Krasnopol. The round remains capable at longer ranges, up to about 16 kilometers, with its hallmark being exceptional accuracy against moving objects.
“In a counter-battery scenario, suppressing a typical 152-mm system might require roughly 900 conventional rounds. Krasnopol can accomplish this with a fraction of that, using as few as ten rounds,” commented a senior officer familiar with artillery doctrine.
According to specialists from a respected military-theoretical publication, the newer Krasnopol-M2 version can strike two near targets with two successive salvos, landing within about ten meters of each other. The report highlights the remarkable accuracy of the upgraded system and notes performance improvements over the earlier model.
“Accuracy derives from the Malachite automated fire-control complex. Each round operates on its own frequency without interfering with others. Although handling this ammunition demands training, the rate of fire can reach up to eight rounds per minute, enabling concentrated strikes on chosen targets,” stated a defense analyst. The cost of Krasnopol rounds is a factor, with each unit estimated at several million rubles. Still, experts compare it favorably to similar Western munitions, such as the M712 Copperhead and the US-Swedish M982 Excalibur, depending on the scenario and exchange rate. In any case, the deployment of this family remains an expensive but potent option for achieving precision strikes in modern artillery operations.
In summary, Krasnopol’s capabilities are framed by accuracy, the ability to engage moving targets, and synergy with drone-enabled targeting systems, all of which contribute to its continued relevance in high-intensity conflicts. The discussion among defense analysts emphasizes its deployment flexibility across multiple 152-mm platforms and its evolving guidance features that enhance precision under varied combat conditions.
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