2A46M4

The 2A46M4 is a modernized variant of the 2A46 series of smoothbore tank guns. Developed in Russia, it is primarily intended for installation on main battle tanks, notably as an upgrade for older T-72 and T-80 variants, and as a potential armament for new tank designs.

This gun features a 125 mm caliber and a smoothbore barrel, which is standard for modern Russian tank armament. The "M4" designation indicates a series of improvements over earlier 2A46M models. These enhancements typically focus on increased accuracy, reliability, and the ability to fire a wider range of ammunition. While specific details of the M4 variant are often classified, improvements often include enhanced recoil mitigation systems, improved barrel steel for greater longevity, and potentially upgraded fire control system integration capabilities.

The 2A46M4 is designed to fire a variety of 125 mm ammunition, including armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds, high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, and high-explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG) rounds. It can also fire gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles (GLATGM), allowing tanks equipped with this gun to engage targets at extended ranges with precision. The gun is typically autoloader-fed, contributing to a higher rate of fire compared to manually loaded cannons. Its adoption aims to maintain the combat effectiveness of Russian and allied tank fleets against modern threats.