MOSCOW : Russia has formally presented a new 30-Millimeter Programmable “Smart” Shrapnel Shell intended to improve the effectiveness of existing gun systems against Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Loitering Munitions, as the Russian defense industry continues to adapt to the expanding role of drones on the modern battlefield.
The announcement was made on Thursday, February 5, by Rostec, which confirmed that the ammunition will make its First International Appearance at the World Defense Show 2026, opening next week in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The shell is designed for use with Existing 30mm Cannons already in widespread service, allowing armed forces to enhance Counter-Drone Capabilities without replacing current weapons.
Design And Purpose
The new round has been developed specifically to address the limitations of Conventional 30mm High-Explosive and Armor-Piercing Ammunition when engaging Small, Fast, And Maneuverable Aerial Targets. Such targets typically require a Direct Hit, which is difficult to achieve against compact UAVs operating at varying Speeds And Altitudes.
According to Rostec, the new ammunition employs a Programmable Airburst Principle. Instead of detonating on impact, the shell explodes at a Calculated Point In Space near the target, dispersing a Controlled Cloud Of High-Velocity Fragments. This approach increases the Probability Of Damage Or Destruction by saturating the surrounding airspace rather than relying on precise impact.
Bekhan Ozdoyev, Industrial Director of Rostec’s Armaments, Ammunition And Special Chemicals Cluster, said the system is intended to raise Interception Efficiency against small UAVs and loitering munitions by combining Fragmentation Effects with Automated Fire-Control Integration.
Optical Programming And Fire-Control Integration
A central technical feature of the new shell is its Automated Programming Method. The Detonation Time is not set manually by the crew. Instead, the vehicle’s Fire-Control System calculates the Optimal Burst Point based on Target Speed, Trajectory, And Range.
As the round leaves the barrel, this information is transmitted to the shell through an Optical Or Laser-Based Interface. Rostec states that this process occurs in Real Time, allowing the weapon to react within Fractions Of A Second, which is critical when engaging Small Drones or Multiple Targets in quick succession.
This method reduces Crew Workload and enables consistent use of Airburst Mode during High-Tempo Engagements, including scenarios involving Drone Swarms.
Compatibility With Existing Platforms
The new ammunition is fully compatible with the widely used 2A42 Automatic Cannon and related variants such as the 2A72, which are mounted on a broad range of Russian Ground And Air Platforms. Rostec emphasized that integration does not require major structural changes, but rather Fire-Control Software Updates and Limited Sensor Enhancements.
Certified platforms include Attack Helicopters such as the Mi-28NM “Night Hunter” and the Ka-52M “Alligator,” Infantry Fighting Vehicles including the BMP-2, and the BMPT “Terminator” Tank Support Combat Vehicle. The round is also approved for use on newer systems, including the BTR-22 Armored Personnel Carrier, which will be displayed in Riyadh equipped with the “Ballista” Remote-Controlled Weapon Station.
International Presentation In Riyadh
The shell will be displayed as part of a Unified Russian Defense Exhibition organized by Rosoboronexport at the World Defense Show, running from February 8 To 12. Rostec officials said the presentation is aimed at Foreign Military Customers seeking Cost-Effective Counter-UAV Solutions that can be integrated into Existing Fleets.
The debut coincides with a broader export campaign highlighting Russian systems designed for Asymmetric and High-Density Threat Environments. Alongside the 30mm airburst ammunition, Rostec plans to present the “Sarma” 300mm High-Mobility Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and the RUS-PE Containerized Loitering Munition System.
Operational Context
The introduction of Programmable Airburst Capability for standard 30mm Cannons places Russian systems closer to comparable Western Technologies, including programmable ammunition fielded by U.S. And European Forces. Military analysts note that such capabilities are increasingly regarded as essential due to the widespread use of Low-Cost UAVs for Reconnaissance, Strike Missions, And Saturation Attacks.
By focusing on Ammunition And Fire-Control Upgrades rather than entirely new weapons, Rostec is positioning the system as a Practical Enhancement for forces seeking to counter Small Aerial Threats while retaining Existing Platforms And Logistics Chains.
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