Missile 2K22 Tunguska (SA-19 Grison)

Development of the 2K22 anti-aircraft system began in June 1970 to replace the ZSU-23-4. The project aimed to counter low-flying strike aircraft and attack helicopters, requiring higher engagement altitude, faster reaction times, and improved target destruction capabilities. A combined gun and missile architecture was selected, utilizing missiles for longer-range targets and cannons for short-range engagements. Development was temporarily halted between 1975 and 1977 following the introduction of the 9K33 Osa, but resumed to address short-range, low-altitude helicopter threats. Trials were conducted between 1980 and 1981, and the system was officially accepted into Soviet service in September 1982. Upgraded variants, the 2K22M and 2K22M1, entered service in 1990 and 2003 respectively.

The 2K22 is a tracked self-propelled air defense platform featuring an armored chassis with hydropneumatic suspension and integrated nuclear, biological, and chemical protection. The system centers on a rotating turret housing dual 2A38 autocannons and 9M311 series surface-to-air missiles (NATO reporting name SA-19 "Grison"). Target acquisition and tracking are managed by an integrated pulse-Doppler radar system, a digital fire-control computer, an IFF system, and a stabilized optical sight. Battery units can automatically share target distribution data via encrypted radio links from central command posts.

The twin autocannons fire armor-piercing and high-explosive incendiary rounds. Gun targets can be engaged using automatic radar tracking or manual optical tracking with radar-provided range data. Autocannons can fire while the vehicle is moving. The two-stage 9M311 missile features a large booster stage and a controllable second stage. Guidance is maintained by trajectory correction commands generated by the digital computer or by optical tracking in elevation and azimuth. Detonation is triggered by contact or proximity fuzing, which initiates a continuous-rod warhead designed to form an expanding ring of metal fragments. Missile launch requires the vehicle to be stationary. Modernized variants use radio proximity fuzes for small target engagement and pulsed infrared beacons to resist countermeasures.

Originally operated by the Soviet Union, the system remains in service with Belarus, India, Morocco, Myanmar, Russia, and Ukraine. Operational deployments include the 2008 South Ossetia War by Russian forces and the Russo-Ukrainian War, where systems have been deployed by both Russian and Ukrainian armed forces.