How Ukraine Set World Record for Longest Artillery Hit in Combat, Striking Target 70 Km Away with Crab and Vulcano GLR

Ukrainian gunners accomplished the feat—at a range that most artillery systems cannot reach—using a 155 mm caliber shell. The remarkable combination of Poland’s Krab self-propelled artillery system and the European Vulcano GLR-guided shell made this record-breaking strike possible.

The milestone was reported by Defence24, though specific details, such as the target and timing, remain undisclosed. It is only known that the event occurred in Ukraine during combat operations against Russian forces. Below is a brief overview of the weapons involved.

Krab self-propelled artillery system

The Krab system, developed by Poland in the late 1990s, debuted its first prototype in 2001 and has since undergone significant upgrades. It exemplifies international cooperation, incorporating components from Polish, British, and South Korean manufacturers. Around 80 units have been produced to date.

Following Poland's transition from Soviet standards to NATO specifications, the Krab was designed exclusively for the 155 mm caliber, enabling ammunition standardization. The system can fire six rounds per minute and boasts an effective range of 30 to 40 kilometers, depending on the type of ammunition.

So how did it manage a 70-kilometer strike?

Vulcano GLR ammunition

The Vulcano ammunition family is developed by the Italian company OTO Melara (part of the Leonardo group) in collaboration with Germany’s Diehl. Initially unveiled in 2008, these munitions underwent extensive testing and certification before being adopted for use.

Vulcano munitions are divided into two types:

• Vulcano BER (Ballistic Extended Range): An unguided shell with a range of up to 60 km. Its previous version had a 50 km range.

• Vulcano GLR (Guided Long Range): A guided shell capable of ranges exceeding 80 km. Earlier models achieved 70 km.

It was the latest Vulcano GLR version that hit the target in Ukraine. Defence24 confirmed that Vulcano GLR shells are compatible with the Krab system as well as other artillery platforms. Their accuracy is enhanced by a laser guidance system and additional support technologies.

Broader applicability

The Vulcano GLR shells can also be used with other artillery systems operating in Ukraine, such as the French Caesar or the German PzH 2000. However, their deployment depends on the production capacity of Leonardo, the Italian manufacturer.

Historical context: Longest artillery strikes

Historically, discussions about long-range artillery often reference World War II and German designs capable of striking targets tens of kilometers away. Today, most modern artillery systems operate effectively within a 20-40 km range, with precision strikes often carried out using FPV drones.

This breakthrough by the Ukrainian armed forces is a unique achievement in the history of modern artillery.

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