The Ukrainian Armed Forces have begun using M155 Copperhead precision-guided 712mm artillery shells on the battlefield, which were delivered to Ukraine by the United States as part of aid. According to Pentagon sources, the delivery of these shells is part of a comprehensive support package aimed at increasing firepower and accuracy of strikes against enemy armored vehicles.

Information about the Copperhead delivery appeared in Ukrainian media about five days ago, along with footage showing unopened boxes of the new ammunition. However, according to some leaks, the use of these shells began much earlier. The Ukrainian military reportedly used Copperhead back in the summer.

Ukrainian Armed Forces operatives who took part in battles in the Kursk region in August and September shared their impressions of the effectiveness of Copperhead shells, including against moving targets.

The M712 Copperhead, developed by Martin Marietta in the 1970s, was a landmark advancement in military technology. Unlike conventional artillery shells, the Copperhead uses laser guidance to home in on a target with pinpoint accuracy, a breakthrough in artillery systems. The round is designed to be fired from 155mm howitzers and provides long-range strikes against hidden or moving targets.