What is the coastal artillery system A-222 “Bereg” and what are its drawbacks, what configuration will a similar development based on the naval A-192A “Armat” have
The Russian Arsenal Machine-Building Plant, which produces naval artillery systems, has patented a wheeled chassis coastal artillery system, for which it is planned to use a slightly modified A-192M “Armat”. This was reported in his blog by the researcher of armored weapon history, Andriy Tarasenko.
The feasibility of such a Russian development raises doubts, at least in light of the fact that they already have a similarly classified artillery system, the A-222 “Bereg,” which, however, has not been used in the war against Ukraine, largely due to its shortcomings.
As follows from the patent materials, the coastal artillery system with the A-192M “Armat” is to be mounted on a trailer, with the ammunition stored in a bustle niche. The design of the ammunition magazine raises questions about the rationality of shell placement.
Regarding the A-192M “Armat” itself, the following data is available in the public domain: caliber – 130-mm, total mass – 24 tons, maximum firing range – 23 kilometers, ammunition load – 22 to 60 rounds, turret armor – splinter protection.
The A-192 was installed on Project 22350 frigates. This artillery system was created to replace the Soviet AK-130, which was mounted on the missile cruiser “Moskva” and other ships of Project 1164, as well as on the Project 1144 “Atlant” class battlecruisers and Project 956 destroyers.
As for the A-222 “Bereg,” in 2024, there were statements about the possible transfer of these artillery systems to the Dnieper Flotilla, which Russia established as part of the Black Sea Fleet to conduct combat operations against the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the Dnieper River. However, no use of these artillery systems in combat operations has been recorded over the past two years.
All 36 existing A-222 “Bereg” artillery systems are part of the coastal troops of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation. Main characteristics: mass – 42.3 tons, firing range – up to 23 kilometers, ammunition load – 40 rounds, protection is essentially absent. Other important details about the A-222 “Bereg” were discussed in a separate publication.
Defense Express wrote in May 2025 that the Russians claimed the appearance of a 152-mm A-222M “Bereg” with a 50 km range, which was inexplicably sent to the Pacific Ocean.
Ivan Kyrychevsky, serviceman of the 413th SBS Regiment “Raid”, expert at Defense Express