Russia Deploys Hybrid Towed Gun in Ukraine Using M-46 Carriage and AK-130 130mm Naval Gun.

In a surprising development on the frontlines of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian forces have introduced a novel hybrid artillery system. According to a video released on X social media on August 1, 2024, this innovative weapon combines elements from two distinct artillery systems: the M-46 130mm towed field gun and the AK-130 naval gun. This hybrid approach seems to address the artillery losses suffered by Russian forces in Ukraine, showcasing Russia's adaptability in modifying existing military technology for enhanced combat capabilities.
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The Russian forces deployed in Ukraine use hybrid towed gun based on the carriage of the Soviet-made M-46 fitted with an AK-130 130mm naval gun.  (Picture source: X Account @technicznybdg)

The M-46 130mm towed field gun, initially developed by the Soviet Union in the 1950s, serves as the foundation for this hybrid artillery piece. The M-46 has been a mainstay of Soviet and later Russian artillery forces for decades due to its reliable performance and robust construction. It was designed for long-range bombardment and is renowned for its simplicity, ease of use, and ruggedness. Its classic split-trail carriage provides stability and ease of movement across various terrains. The carriage's manually operated horizontal sliding-block breech and hydropneumatic recoil system absorb the force of firing, which contributes to the gun's accuracy and durability.

The AK-130 naval gun, on the other hand, originates from Russia's advanced naval arsenal. This naval gun is primarily used on Russian warships, such as the Sovremenny-class destroyers. Developed during the Cold War, the AK-130 is an automatic dual-barrel naval gun designed for both anti-aircraft and surface warfare. It boasts a rapid-fire capability, with a firing rate of up to 90 rounds per minute per barrel, making it highly effective against fast-moving targets. The AK-130's 130mm caliber is identical to that of the M-46, which likely facilitated the integration of these two systems into a single hybrid artillery piece.

The AK-130 is a naval gun turret of Soviet origin. It was developed in the 1970s as a more capable gun turret than the earlier SM-2, intended as armament for destroyers and cruisers. The AK-130 is the most powerful naval gun turret that remains in service. It is one of the few modern two-barrel gun turrets. Its single-barrel performance is similar to the US 127mm Mk 45 and the Italian 127mm Compatto. The AK-130 fires 130mm shells that have been derived from the towed 130mm M-46 howitzer. The maximum range is 23 kilometers against surface targets. The rate of fire is 10 to 35 rounds per minute per barrel, which results in a maximum of 70 rounds per minute.

The combination of the M-46 carriage and the AK-130 naval gun represents an innovative adaptation in response to battlefield needs. The integration of the AK-130's advanced firepower onto the M-46's mobile carriage allows for increased versatility and lethality in land warfare. This hybrid towed howitzer can deliver powerful naval-grade firepower while maintaining the mobility and flexibility of a traditional field gun.

The deployment of this hybrid system could indicate an effort by Russian forces to compensate for artillery losses in Ukraine. The ongoing conflict has seen significant attrition on both sides, prompting military strategists to innovate with existing technology to maintain combat effectiveness. By utilizing the AK-130's firepower in a land-based context, Russian forces aim to enhance their artillery capabilities and maintain pressure on Ukrainian defenses.