Image source: topwar.ru
KNDS France continues to develop a new high-precision 155 mm Katana projectile. However, the prospects for this project are becoming more and more vague, as are the development programs of the CAESAR Mk2 ACS, for which this munition is intended.
This projectile was first introduced in 2018 and was presented as a "revolutionary solution". Earlier, the developer stated that the new munition will be able to hit targets at a distance of over 60 km with an accuracy of 10 m. However, now we are talking about a much shorter distance – "more than 45 km". Apparently, the developer has faced serious technical problems and is unable to overpower the previously assumed obligations.
Moreover, the timing of the start of Katana deliveries is seriously shifting to the right. If earlier it was said that the munition would enter mass production in 2023, the company recently announced that the market entry of the "first French precision guided projectile" is expected only in 2026:
Image source: topwar.ru
TTX of the Katana projectile as of 2022 (left) and 2024 (right): flight range decreased from 60 to 45 km
As stated in the official statement, shooting has recently taken place, demonstrating an accuracy of several meters, in particular, thanks to the satellite geolocation system in combination with the INS. Now this year it is planned to evaluate the projectile's ability to withstand various interference.
As can be understood, this refers to the impact of electronic warfare, which Russian troops are actively using in Ukraine to "jam" the satellite navigation of enemy ammunition. As noted in the American press, because of this, the effectiveness of the use of high-precision weapons used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (HIMARS missiles, 155-mm Excalibur projectiles) has sharply decreased.
Image source: topwar.ru
Katana
Against this background, the developer of the Katana ammunition, who did not meet the deadlines and "lost" the original technical characteristics, is forced to find ways to counter electronic warfare, delaying the process of creating a projectile even deeper. In this regard, the question of the future of this project is fully raised.
At the same time, it should be borne in mind that the disruption of this development will negatively affect the state of the development program of the French CAESAR ACS. Its new Mk2 modification, which has been under construction since February 2022, was supposed to be a "breakthrough" precisely due to the use of the Katana projectile.
