Evolving Shells... Now Real-Time Observation of Enemy Lines [Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu Reporter] Artillery shells are evolving. By integrating observation functions into shells and miniaturizing GPS devices, it is now possible to observe the enemy and conduct precision strikes.

According to the industry on the 9th, the U.S. Army signed a contract worth approximately $1.2 billion with Orbital ATK in 2015 to develop 155mm ultra-precision intelligent artillery shells. The 155mm Precision Guidance Kit (PGK) was developed to reduce casualties and property damage. Various sensors and miniaturized GPS devices are mounted on the PGK.

Artillery units can track the shell's location in real-time and even adjust the timing and method of detonation. This allows for precision strikes on targets from long distances. The price of the shell is $100,000, which is very affordable considering that existing intelligent shells cost between $700,000 and $1.3 million. It is known that these shells have been deployed to the 15th Field Artillery Battalion and the 2nd Combat Battalion stationed in Afghanistan.

Swiss defense company Oerlikon developed the Skyshield 35 Ahead shell. Inside the 35mm mother shell are about 150 rod-shaped submunitions. It is suitable for striking small targets detected by radar. This ammunition has been deployed since 2011 in Germany's next-generation air defense system 'SysFla.' The 3P developed by British defense company Bofors uses a similar method.

Domestically, defense company Poongsan developed shells that perform the role of artillery observation teams. Developed over seven years since 2011, these shells contain submunitions equipped with cameras inside the mother shell. They were developed for K-9 self-propelled howitzer shells, the main firepower of the Marine Corps on Yeonpyeongdo and Baengnyeongdo islands. When observation shells are first loaded and fired from the K-9, the location of the enemy can be identified. This minimizes the margin of error for the main attack.

The observation shell fired from the K-9 separates the submunition from the rear of the shell at about 2 km above the ground during descent. The submunition is equipped with a camera and transmission function, capturing photos of the target from approximately 1.3 km above the target and transmitting them to the artillery fire control center. The artillery fire control center can confirm target information and conduct accurate strikes.

In particular, it is possible to accurately observe whether the shell hit the target after firing. Until now, artillery observation teams used binoculars or visual inspection to determine if the shell hit the target correctly. However, as the firing range of artillery extended up to 40 km, it became difficult to make such judgments. Using observation shells makes sufficient observation possible.

Currently, the military is reviewing the inclusion of observation shells in the Joint Strategic Operational Plan (JSOP) as part of the mid-term plan. Inside and outside the military expect that once observation shells are operational, artillery capabilities will be significantly enhanced.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.