Frank Rondel
Russia has introduced a new 30mm shrapnel round equipped with a programmable airburst fuze designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles, reports customreceipt.com via militarnyi. The announcement was made by the Russian state-owned corporation, which stated that the munition was developed specifically to improve engagement effectiveness against small drones and loitering munitions.
According to Rostec, the new round is compatible with the 2A42 automatic cannon. This weapon system is widely deployed across Russian platforms, including BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, BMPT combat vehicles, and Mi-28NM and Ka-52M attack helicopters. The corporation indicated that integrating an airburst capability into existing 30mm armament is intended to enhance the probability of destroying aerial targets that are difficult to hit with conventional ammunition.
Rostec explained that the munition operates through a programmable fuze mechanism. The fire-control system determines the optimal detonation point based on the drone’s flight trajectory, enabling the projectile to explode in proximity to the target and disperse shrapnel in its path. The fuze timing is set automatically through the optical channel, according to the developer’s statement.
At the same time, Russian representatives have not disclosed technical details on how the 2A42 automatic cannon is configured to employ the programmable shrapnel rounds. No clarification has been provided regarding the specific hardware or software modifications required to program the ammunition before firing.
The emphasis on counter-drone capabilities reflects the growing role of unmanned systems in contemporary armed conflicts. The use of small UAVs and loitering munitions has increased the demand for short-range air defense solutions capable of protecting both critical military and industrial infrastructure as well as individual combat vehicles.
Separately, Rostec reported that the Russian military has recently adopted the Zubr air defense system designed to engage drones. The Zubr configuration includes four independent modules, each fitted with four 7.62 mm PKT machine guns, along with a command-and-control unit and an integrated radar system.
Earlier we wrote that Eddie Bauer Files Third Bankruptcy, Plans to Sell 180 U.S. and Canada Stores Amid Inflation