Russia has confirmed the delivery of fresh batches of Krasnopol-M2 laser-guided artillery shells to frontline units, further enhancing its focus on precision firepower amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to state media reports, the munitions were supplied by Rostec’s High Precision Systems, the defense conglomerate’s specialized cluster for guided weaponry. The deliveries underscore Moscow’s growing emphasis on precision-guided munitions to counter Ukraine’s expanding counter-battery and electronic warfare capabilities.
Officials stated that the new shipments are part of Russia’s broader effort to accelerate sensor-to-shooter coordination, conserve conventional ammunition stockpiles, and deliver pinpoint strikes with reduced collateral risk. Bekhan Ozdoyev, Rostec’s industrial director for weapons systems, described high-precision rounds like the Krasnopol-M2 as “highly needed” for today’s battlefield conditions, reflecting a shift in Russian artillery doctrine toward accuracy over volume.
The Krasnopol-M2, developed by KBP under Rostec’s High Precision Systems, is a 152 mm semi-active laser-homing projectile designed for terminal-phase guidance. Its employment in Ukraine has paired artillery units with UAV spotters and forward observers capable of providing real-time laser designation. This integration allows Russian batteries to conduct “shoot-and-scoot” missions while maintaining accuracy, thereby minimizing exposure to counter-battery fire.
The precision-guided shells are compatible with a wide range of artillery systems — from the 2S3 Akatsiya and 2A65 Msta-B to the 2S19 Msta-S, 2A36 Giatsint-B, and new 2S43 Malva howitzers. The growing use of these rounds across legacy and modern platforms highlights how Russia is standardizing guided munitions across its forces, signaling an evolution in the country’s approach to modern warfare.
