Krasnopol

A Soviet-origin family of cannon-launched, laser-guided artillery projectiles used by Russia to attack point targets designated by ground observers or reconnaissance drones.

Overview

The 2K25 Krasnopol is a fin-stabilised, base-bleed-assisted precision artillery projectile developed for 152 mm guns, with a 155 mm configuration offered for export. It homes on laser energy reflected from a target illuminated by a compatible ground-based or airborne designator. Russia's current-production Krasnopol-M2 retains this basic operating principle, although the precise composition of its improvements is not publicly established.

Krasnopol occupies a different operational niche from satellite-guided artillery ammunition. It does not require a GPS signal and is therefore unaffected by GPS jamming, but every guided engagement depends on an observer or uncrewed aircraft maintaining line of sight and laser designation during the projectile's terminal approach. Russian forces have paired the ammunition with reconnaissance drones including the Orlan-30 and Granat-4.

This distinction became especially significant in Ukraine. Satellite-guided Western shells suffered declining effectiveness under intensive electronic warfare, while laser-guided Krasnopol rounds remained available for attacks on identified artillery, air-defence systems and armoured vehicles. The comparison demonstrates that precision stated on a specification sheet does not by itself determine combat utility: guidance method, supporting reconnaissance assets and exposure to countermeasures are equally important.

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