Overview

The A-222 "Bereg" (Shore) is a Russian mobile coastal defense artillery system featuring a 130mm naval gun mounted on a modified tank chassis. Developed in the 1980s and deployed in the 1990s, the system provides fire support for naval infantry operations and defense of coastal installations, naval bases, and strategic waterways. The system combines naval artillery firepower with land vehicle mobility.

Specification Summary

Commonly cited specifications include:

  • Main armament: 130mm A-222 naval gun (modified AK-130)
  • Chassis: Modified T-80 tank chassis
  • Crew: 6 (vehicle and gun operation)
  • Rate of fire: approximately 30-40 rounds per minute (sustained)
  • Maximum range: approximately 23,000 meters (conventional ammunition)
  • Ammunition capacity: 40 rounds ready (additional supply vehicle)
  • Maximum speed: approximately 60 km/h (road march)
  • Operating range: approximately 500 km

Design Context

The A-222 was developed to provide mobile coastal defense capabilities against:

  • Amphibious assault craft and landing ships
  • Fast attack craft and patrol vessels
  • Coastal targets supporting amphibious operations
  • Naval infantry fire support missions

The system addressed the need for rapid deployment and relocation capability, providing an alternative to fixed coastal defense batteries that became vulnerable to precision strikes. The use of a tank chassis provides excellent cross-country mobility for positioning in concealed firing locations.

Technical Features

130mm naval gun: The A-222 gun is derived from the AK-130 naval mount, modified for land use. The weapon provides:

  • High rate of sustained fire
  • Effective anti-ship range
  • Accurate indirect fire capability
  • Multiple ammunition types including HE and guided projectiles

Fire control system: Automated fire control with:

  • Radar target tracking
  • Digital ballistic computer
  • Optical backup systems
  • Network integration with coastal defense command

Mobility platform: T-80 derived chassis provides:

  • High cross-country speed
  • Reliable automotive components
  • NBC protection for crew
  • Self-recovery equipment

Ammunition handling: Semi-automated loading system reduces crew workload during sustained fire missions.

System Components

A typical Bereg battery includes:

  • Combat vehicles: Multiple A-222 gun vehicles
  • Command post vehicle: Fire direction and coordination
  • Ammunition carriers: Specialized resupply vehicles
  • Radar vehicles: Target acquisition and tracking
  • Maintenance support: Mobile workshop and recovery vehicles

Deployment Timeline

  • 1980s: Development program initiated
  • Late 1980s/early 1990s: Prototype testing
  • 1990s: Initial operational deployment
  • 2000s: Continued service with Russian coastal defense units
  • Present: Active in Black Sea, Baltic, and Pacific Fleet coastal defense brigades

Operational Context

The A-222 serves primarily with Russian Naval Infantry and Coastal Defense Forces, providing:

  • Defense of naval bases against amphibious assault
  • Fire support for naval infantry operations
  • Protection of strategic coastal installations
  • Anti-ship capability in littoral zones
  • Counter-battery fire against hostile coastal artillery

The system's mobility allows rapid response to amphibious threats along extended coastlines where fixed defenses would be impractical.

Tactical Employment

Typical operations include:

  • Ambush positions: Rapid deployment to concealed firing positions near likely landing sites
  • Mobile defense: Sequential firing and relocation to avoid counter-battery fire
  • Fire support: Direct and indirect fire supporting naval infantry maneuvers
  • Sea denial: Interdiction of amphibious approach routes and landing areas

Ammunition Types

Reported ammunition includes:

  • HE-FRAG: High-explosive fragmentation for surface targets
  • Semi-armor piercing: For engaging armored landing craft
  • Guided projectiles: Extended range with terminal guidance
  • Illumination: Night operations support

Related Equipment

This reference page documents military equipment for educational and research purposes. Specifications are based on commonly available technical literature and open sources.