In April, Rostec completed state tests of shells with controlled detonation and a remote control complex for the time of their detonation for the BMPT Terminator. This news caused a stir in the West. Military observer Sergei Ptichkin explained the advantage of such shells compared to traditional ammunition.
Russian soldiers have been waiting for ammunition with controlled remote detonation for a long time.
One shot towards an enemy drone, detonation of the shell at a point determined by the guidance system — and thousands of darts flying in a steel cloud at tremendous speed will leave no chance for the smallest and most agile FPV drone.
Development of shells with a programmable remote detonator in the West
In the late nineties, 35-mm shells with a remote detonator from Oerlikon Contraves entered service with NATO member countries. Thanks to the ammunition, the firepower of Erlikon anti-aircraft guns increased.
Ptichkin emphasized that there are more than 150 striking elements in one 35-mm shell. That is, a swarm of darts rushes towards the target at a speed of more than 1000 m/s. The developer stated that the ammunition is effective against medium-sized UAVs.
What is in Russia
In 2023, a Russian 23-mm canister shell with programmable remote detonation was presented at the Army forum. Inside it, presumably, there are up to 100 striking elements. The shell was created for the ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun. Such guns are widely used by the Russian military in combat operations. According to Ptichkin, ammunition for the ZU-23-2 should enter the troops in 2024.
The observer added that Russian artillerymen propose to return large-caliber shrapnel ammunition. Such ammunition is in the arsenal of Russia, including 100-mm 3Sh5, 115-mm 3Sh6, 122-mm shells 3Sh1 and others. With remotely programmable detonators, they would be very effective, Ptichkin concluded.