Precision Strikes: How Laser-Guided Artillery is Changing the Battlefield

Artillery has long been a cornerstone of modern warfare, offering immense firepower. However, traditional artillery relies on “bracketing” – a process of adjusting fire based on initial shots – which can alert the enemy to incoming attacks. A growing solution to this challenge is the use of precision-guided artillery shells, capable of hitting targets on the first attempt. The Ukrainian military, for example, is successfully employing American-made 155mm M712 Copperhead shells to neutralize Russian positions, demonstrating the effectiveness of this technology.

The Limitations of Traditional Artillery

When the exact range to a target is unknown, or conditions are variable, artillery crews traditionally use bracketing. The first shell is intentionally fired beyond the target, followed by a shot fired short. By analyzing where these shells land, artillerymen can refine their aim. Whereas modern ballistic computers improve accuracy, bracketing still reveals the artillery’s presence and allows the enemy to prepare. This process is now increasingly aided by drones for observation and target acquisition.

Introducing the M712 Copperhead

The M712 Copperhead is a 155mm cannon-launched guided projectile designed to engage high-value targets like tanks and self-propelled howitzers. Developed in the 1970s, the Copperhead boasts a range of up to 16 kilometers (9.9 miles) and carries a 6.69 kilogram (14.75 lb) warhead filled with Composition B explosives. It is compatible with a variety of NATO 155mm howitzers, including the M114, M109, M198, M777, and CAESAR systems – notably, the M777 and CAESAR are favored by Ukrainian forces.

How Laser Guidance Works

Unlike traditional artillery, the Copperhead doesn’t rely on bracketing. It utilizes a terminal laser guidance system. A drone or ground observer designates the target with a laser beam, and the shell’s onboard sensors detect this laser. Steering vanes then adjust the projectile’s flight path to directly impact the illuminated target. This means the enemy receives no warning of incoming fire, as there are no preliminary shots to reveal the artillery’s position. Footage shows Copperhead shells striking buildings occupied by Russian forces, guided by laser designation from reconnaissance drones.

Beyond Buildings: Targeting Armored Vehicles

While effective against static structures, the M712 Copperhead is also capable of destroying moving armored targets, including tanks. Reports from 2024 indicate successful use by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region of Russia against armored vehicles.

Other Smart Artillery Shells

The M712 Copperhead is not the only precision-guided artillery shell available. Other options include:

• M982 Excalibur: Uses GPS guidance.
• SMArt 155 (Germany): Employs millimeter-wave radar homing technology.
• Bonus (French-Swedish): Also utilizes millimeter-wave radar homing.

Future of Precision Artillery

The increasing use of laser-guided and other smart artillery shells represents a significant shift in battlefield tactics. By eliminating the need for bracketing and providing pinpoint accuracy, these technologies offer a decisive advantage to artillery units. As these systems continue to evolve, they will likely play an increasingly important role in modern warfare.