The high-precision 2K25 Krasnopol round has emerged as a key player in the modern artillery arena, challenging the supremacy of the M982 Excalibur.
Russia and the evolution of high-precision projectiles
The relevance of precision projectiles was consolidated in 2022, being determining factors in current military conflicts. While American artillery systems initially surprised the Russian rear, Russia has responded with advanced developments previously in reserve.
Russian media highlights the superior effectiveness of the 2K25 Krasnopol against the US-Swedish M982 Excalibur. Although the identity of these reliable sources is not detailed, the claims are supported by hard statistics.
It is underlined that Krasnopol had an outstanding performance during the “special military operation” (Russia’s term for the war in Ukraine), showing less circular deviation from the target.
Technical comparison: 2K25 Krasnopol vs. M982 Excalibur
The Russian projectile offers notable technical advantages. While the US munitions employ an inertial system and satellite correction, the Krasnopol is guided by a laser beam reflected directly from the target.
The previous methodology required a gunner at the target site, a situation currently overcome through the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The combination of these UAVs with artillery has proven to be extremely effective in actual operations.
It is important to note that interference from electronic warfare systems does not affect the accuracy of this projectile. UAVs operate at altitudes of thousands of meters and sometimes work in duos.
2K25 Krasnopol Updates and Mods
Recent information from July of this year reveals the introduction of an improved version of 2K25 Krasnopol. This modification increases its effective range from 20 to 26 kilometers.
Additionally, the Krasnopol has been equipped with an increased destructive power on small targets, from 0.7 to 0.9. These improvements expand the versatility of it, allowing its operation under various conditions.
The innovations in the 2K25 Krasnopol, coupled with the deployment tactics and combination with UAVs, highlight the strategic importance of this projectile on the global military stage.
Technical Characteristics of the 2K25 Krasnopol
The 2K25 Krasnopol is a laser-guided artillery shell, specifically developed for 152mm guns. This ammunition has been designed to ensure accuracy in adverse weather conditions, including thunderstorms and sudden changes in wind conditions.
Its characteristics include its length of 1.3 meters, a weight of 43 kilograms, and a standard caliber of 152 mm. Its maximum speed is 850 meters per second, with a range extending up to 20 kilometers.
Thanks to a semi-active laser seeker, the Krasnopol can be fired from safe positions without the barrel being aimed directly at the target. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in conflicts such as the Syrian civil war and the Russo-Ukrainian dispute.
2K25 Krasnopol in Combat Scenarios
The Krasnopol has been designed to be effective against a variety of targets. These include tanks, armored vehicles, fortifications, and other strategic targets. His ability to hit targets in urban areas and covered positions positions him as a key tactical asset.
Compatibility with guns like the Russian 2A65 Msta-B and the Chinese PLZ-05 enhances its versatility in different combat scenarios.
“Experts underline that 2K25 Krasnopol does not depend on weather conditions, time of day, wind, thunderstorms or any other force majeure situation.”
Technical Characteristics of the M982 Excalibur
The M982 Excalibur is a long-range, precision-guided artillery shell created by Raytheon Missile Systems and BAE Systems AB. It has been specifically designed to support ground operations in urban environments, minimizing collateral damage.
Equipped with a GPS guidance system, this projectile can adjust its trajectory in flight, allowing it to hit moving targets with unmatched accuracy. This ability makes it highly effective against vehicles or moving targets.
Its shaped charge warhead penetrates up to 1.5 meters of reinforced concrete. Additionally, the Excalibur can be retrofitted with high-explosive warheads for less heavily fortified targets.
2K25 Krasnopol vs. M982 Excalibur: Range and Accuracy
While the Krasnopol ranges up to 20 kilometers, the Excalibur surpasses this mark with a range that can go up to 40 kilometers, depending on the platform it is fired from and the specific variant of the shell.
With its GPS guidance system, the Excalibur ensures accuracy even if the target moves or there are changes in wind conditions. However, the Krasnopol, thanks to its laser guidance, guarantees accuracy in adverse weather conditions and at different times of the day.
