In April, Rostec completed state tests of projectiles with guided detonation and a remote control system for their detonation time for the BMPT "Terminator." This news caused a stir in the West. Military observer Sergei Ptichkin explained the advantage of such projectiles compared to traditional ammunition.
Russian military personnel have long awaited ammunition with guided remote detonation.
One shot towards an enemy drone, detonation of the projectile 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 even the smallest and most agile FPV drone.
Development of Projectiles with Programmable Remote Fuses in the West
In the late nineties, 35mm projectiles with remote fuses from Oerlikon Contraves entered service with NATO member countries. Thanks to the ammunition, the firepower of the "Oerlikon" anti-aircraft guns increased.
Ptichkin emphasized that one 35mm projectile contains more than 150 striking elements. That is, a swarm of darts rushes towards the target at a speed of over 1000 m/s. The developer stated that the ammunition is effective against medium-sized UAVs.
What Russia Has
In 2023, a Russian 23mm 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 returning large-caliber shrapnel ammunition. Such ammunition exists in Russia's arsenal, including 100mm 3Ш5, 115mm 3Ш6, 122mm 3Ш1 shells, and others. With remotely programmable fuses, they would be very effective, Ptichkin concluded.
