Ukrainian Forces Deploy Rare American M712 Copperhead Guided Shells in Kursk Region Operation

Ukrainian Defense Forces reportedly used the M712 Copperhead, a rare guided shell from the Cold War era, during recent operations in Russia’s Kursk region. The weapon, produced in the United States in the late 1970s, has drawn attention due to its historical significance and its precision-guided capability.

According to Defense Express, the M712 Copperhead shells, originally developed in the US for targeted attacks using laser guidance, were deployed to strike a communications tower near Sudzha in the Kursk region. In this engagement, Ukrainian troops used three Copperhead shells launched from M777 howitzers, reportedly achieving targeted precision on their objective.

The M712 Copperhead, first manufactured in 1978, operates with a laser-guided system that enables it to accurately strike targets within a range of 3 to 16 kilometers. Each shell weighs approximately 62.4 kilograms, marking it as a significant but now seldom-seen piece of artillery. Production ceased decades ago, with around 20,000 units estimated to remain in US military reserves as of 1995. In 2017, a few hundred Copperhead shells were provided to Lebanon to assist in combating ISIS forces.

The weapon’s unexpected presence in Ukraine has led analysts to note the shell’s adaptability, particularly as Russian forces intensify electronic warfare efforts to disrupt Ukrainian communications and targeting. This capability to strike via laser-guidance adds tactical versatility for Ukraine in precision-targeting operations, potentially complementing the high-tech adaptations Ukrainian forces have previously demonstrated with seized Russian Krasnopol shells.