Russia unveils upgraded Citadel with 100mm naval gun for air defense

Russia has started testing a new version of its Citadel anti-aircraft artillery system. This updated model replaces the original 30mm autocannon with a far more powerful 100mm naval gun. The system is already in use around Moscow, where it has proven effective in air defence operations. The original Citadel relied on a 30mm 2A42 autocannon, a weapon also found on other Russian military vehicles and aircraft. This gun fires at a rapid rate of around 800 rounds per minute. A specialised airburst fragmentation shell was developed for it, designed to detonate at a set distance for maximum effect.

The new variant swaps the 30mm cannon for a 100mm A-190 naval gun, originally built for ships over 500 tons. This larger weapon extends the system’s reach to 21 kilometres and allows it to hit targets at altitudes up to 15 kilometres. It fires at 80 rounds per minute—slower than the 2A42 but with far greater destructive power. Each 100mm shell releases an order of magnitude more fragments than the 30mm version, increasing the chance of hitting fast-moving threats.

The A-190 also excels in tracking and engagement. It can quickly shift fire between multiple targets, react almost instantly, and monitor several threats at once. Russian defence officials now face the challenge of scaling up production for both the 30mm and 100mm Citadel systems to meet operational demands. The upgraded Citadel brings significantly longer range and greater firepower to Russia’s air defences. With the system already active near Moscow, the next step involves ramping up manufacturing to deploy it more widely. The shift from 30mm to 100mm reflects a push for heavier, more versatile anti-aircraft capabilities.