VISUAL FEATURE PROFILES: Ukraine New/Missing Submunitions
Last Updated: 2026-03-28 | Next Review Due: 2026-04-28
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED // OSINT
Purpose: Visual feature profiles for field identification of Russian-origin submunitions encountered in Ukraine that are NOT covered in existing visual ID databases. Designed for AI-assisted and human visual identification from field photographs.
SAFETY WARNING: If you can identify the item, STOP APPROACH. Mark location, withdraw to safe distance, and report. These profiles are for identification at a distance, NOT for hands-on examination.
QUICK DISCRIMINATION FLOWCHART
SUBMUNITION FOUND IN UKRAINE
│
├── Has RIBBON/STREAMER tail?
│ ├── Very small (~43 mm dia, ~128 mm long)?
│ │ └── Copper liner visible in nose? ──────────► 3B30 (DPICM)
│ ├── Medium (~73.5 mm dia), GOLD/YELLOW finish?
│ │ └── ──────────────────────────────────────────► 9N22 (FROG-7)
│ ├── Medium (~7.5 kg), visible frag rings on body?
│ │ └── ──────────────────────────────────────────► 9N24 (SS-21) *** BIP ONLY ***
│ └── Small (~38 mm dia), fabric "tassel" ribbon?
│ └── English markings? ────────────────────────► M77 DPICM (US-supplied)
│
├── Has PARACHUTE or parachute remnants?
│ ├── LARGE item (~280x530 mm)?
│ │ └── ──────────────────────────────────────────► 9N279 (Incendiary, LARGE)
│ ├── Medium canister, related markings?
│ │ ├── "9N247M" marking? ────────────────────────► 9N247M (Incendiary)
│ │ └── "9N277" marking? ─────────────────────────► 9N277 (FAE/Incendiary)
│ └── Proximity fuze sensor visible?
│ └── ──────────────────────────────────────────► 9N267M (FAE, prox fuze) ** EXTREME **
│
├── Has FINS (spring-loaded or fixed)?
│ ├── Spring-loaded fins, nose sensor/lens?
│ │ └── From Iskander debris field? ──────────────► 9N730 (Iskander HE-Frag)
│ ├── Fixed tail fins, looks like small projectile?
│ │ └── ~87 mm dia, ~405 mm long? ───────────────► AO-10 series
│ └── Small stabilizer block, cast-iron body?
│ └── ~49 mm dia, ~156 mm long? ───────────────► AO-1SCh
│
├── OVAL/EGG shaped, smooth body?
│ ├── ~90 mm dia, central fuze visible?
│ │ ├── SMOOTH surface? ──────────────────────────► AO-2.5RT/RTM (Russian)
│ │ └── DIMPLED surface? ─────────────────────────► MZD-2 (CHINESE -- see chinese-submunitions.md)
│ └── ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│
└── Cylindrical, ribbon tail, ~56-65 mm dia?
└── ──────────────────────────────► 9N210 or 9N235 (covered in primary DB)
PROFILE 1: 3B30 (DPICM)
Key Visual Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| Shape | Small cylinder with tapered nose |
| Size | 43 mm dia x 128 mm length (smaller than a soda can) |
| Weight | 240 g (very light) |
| Color | Steel/olive drab body |
| Nose | Copper shaped-charge liner -- may appear as copper/bronze-colored disc or cone |
| Tail | Ribbon/streamer drag stabilizer (may be deployed, tangled, or missing) |
| Body texture | Steel with possible pre-scored fragmentation pattern |
| Markings | Cyrillic stenciling; look for "3B30" or "3530" |
Discrimination Notes
- vs M77 (US DPICM): 3B30 is slightly larger (43 mm vs 38 mm); Russian Cyrillic markings vs English; ribbon streamer vs fabric tassel
- vs 9N210/9N235: 3B30 is much smaller (43 mm vs ~56-65 mm) and lighter (240 g vs ~1.8 kg)
- Copper nose is the primary visual discriminator -- most Russian frag submunitions do NOT have visible copper
Field Recognition Confidence Indicators
- HIGH confidence if: copper liner visible + ribbon tail + Cyrillic markings + ~43 mm diameter
- MEDIUM confidence if: small cylindrical submunition with ribbon but copper not visible
- LOW confidence if: body only, no tail or nose visible
Hazard Quick Ref
- Shaped charge: directional hazard
- If ribbon deployed: fuze likely ARMED
- Self-destruct: 200 sec (if still intact, SD has FAILED)
- From 9M55K5: expect up to 645 MORE in area
PROFILE 2: 9N22 (HE-Frag, FROG-7)
Key Visual Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| Shape | Cylindrical body |
| Size | ~73.5 mm diameter (larger than most submunitions) |
| Weight | ~7.5 kg (heavy for a submunition -- comparable to a large jar) |
| Color | GOLD/YELLOW LACQUER FINISH -- DISTINCTIVE |
| Tail | Ribbon streamer stabilizer |
| Body texture | Metal with lacquer coating |
| Markings | Soviet-era Cyrillic stenciling |
Discrimination Notes
- GOLD/YELLOW finish is the primary discriminator -- no other common Russian submunition has this
- vs 9N24: Similar weight class but 9N24 has visible fragmentation rings; 9N22 has gold lacquer
- vs 3B30: 9N22 is much larger (73.5 mm vs 43 mm) and heavier (7.5 kg vs 240 g)
- Size/weight: Noticeably larger and heavier than typical cluster submunitions
Field Recognition Confidence Indicators
- HIGH confidence if: gold/yellow lacquer finish + ribbon tail + ~73.5 mm diameter
- MEDIUM confidence if: gold-colored submunition with ribbon but dimensions uncertain
- LOW confidence if: corroded/weathered body where lacquer may have worn off
Hazard Quick Ref
- Impact fuze: ASSUME ARMED
- From FROG-7: expect up to 41 more in 2.8 x 1.8 km area
PROFILE 3: 9N24 (HE-Frag, SS-21 Scarab)
BIP ONLY -- CANNOT BE DISARMED
Key Visual Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| Shape | Cylindrical body with visible fragmentation rings |
| Size | Intermediate (weight: 7.45 kg) |
| Weight | 7.45 kg (heavy for submunition) |
| Color | Steel/olive drab |
| Tail | Ribbon stabilizer |
| Body texture | 18 PARTIALLY PRE-FRAGMENTED RINGS visible around circumference |
| Markings | Soviet-era Cyrillic; look for "9N24" or "9H24" |
Discrimination Notes
- 18 visible fragmentation rings around body = primary discriminator
- vs 9N22: 9N24 has frag rings, no gold lacquer; 9N22 has gold lacquer, no visible rings
- vs 9N210/9N235: 9N24 is much heavier (7.45 kg vs ~1.8 kg) and has visible ring pattern
- Ring pattern may resemble ridges or grooves around the body circumference
Field Recognition Confidence Indicators
- HIGH confidence if: visible frag rings + ribbon tail + ~7.5 kg weight + near SS-21 debris
- MEDIUM confidence if: ridged/ringed cylindrical body with ribbon
- LOW confidence if: body fragment only
Hazard Quick Ref
- BIP ONLY -- DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY RSP
- 9E237 fuze CANNOT be disarmed
- Self-destruct: 32-60 sec (if intact, SD FAILED = EXTREME DANGER)
- A-IX-2 fill (RDX + aluminum) = enhanced blast
- Expect up to 49 more in area from 2,250 m dispersal altitude
PROFILE 4: 9N225 (HE-Frag, Large-Caliber)
INTELLIGENCE GAP -- LIMITED VISUAL DATA
Key Visual Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| Shape | Likely cylindrical (based on Russian design patterns) |
| Size | Unknown -- believed large-caliber class |
| Color | Unknown |
| Stabilization | Likely fin or ribbon (unconfirmed) |
| Markings | Look for "9N225" or "9H225" in Cyrillic |
Discrimination Notes
- Insufficient data for reliable visual discrimination
- If found: PHOTOGRAPH ALL SURFACES AND MARKINGS for intelligence exploitation
- May resemble 9N210/9N235 family
Hazard Quick Ref
- TREAT AS ARMED
- Consult higher for RSP guidance
- Report and photograph
PROFILE 5: 9N247M (Incendiary, Parachute-Retarded)
[NEW -- FIRST SEEN UKRAINE, August 2022]
Key Visual Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| Shape | Canister/cylindrical body |
| Size | Unknown exact dimensions |
| Color | Unknown standard color |
| Retardation | PARACHUTE -- may be found attached or nearby |
| Body texture | Canister-type construction |
| Markings | Look for "9N247M" or "9H247M" in Cyrillic |
| Related to | 9N277 (appeared 4 months earlier, April 2022) |
Discrimination Notes
- Parachute + canister body = key features
- vs 9N277: Closely related; may require marking examination to distinguish
- vs 9N279: 9N279 is significantly LARGER (280x530 mm)
- vs 9N267M: 9N267M has PROXIMITY FUZE (sensor visible); 9N247M does not
Field Recognition Confidence Indicators
- HIGH confidence if: parachute present + canister body + "9N247M" marking visible
- MEDIUM confidence if: parachute-retarded canister submunition without readable markings
- LOW confidence if: body only, no parachute, no markings
Hazard Quick Ref
- INCENDIARY: do not cut, puncture, or apply heat
- If casing breached: spontaneous ignition possible
- BIP recommended
PROFILE 6: 9N267M (FAE/Incendiary, Proximity Fuze)
EXTREME HAZARD -- PROXIMITY FUZE MAY ACTIVATE ON APPROACH
Key Visual Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| Shape | Canister/cylindrical body |
| Size | Unknown exact dimensions |
| Color | Unknown standard color |
| CRITICAL FEATURE | PROXIMITY FUZE (9E371) -- look for sensor window, lens, or antenna on body |
| Body texture | May appear lighter than expected for size (fuel fill is less dense than HE) |
| Markings | Look for "9N267M", "9H267M", "9E371" in Cyrillic |
Discrimination Notes
- PROXIMITY FUZE SENSOR is the primary discriminator from other parachute/canister submunitions
- vs 9N247M/9N277: Those lack proximity fuze; 9N267M has visible sensor element
- vs 9N730: Both have proximity fuzes but 9N730 is fin-stabilized; 9N267M is not
Field Recognition Confidence Indicators
- HIGH confidence if: sensor/lens visible on body + canister shape + Cyrillic markings with "9N267M" or "9E371"
- MEDIUM confidence if: canister submunition with unusual sensor element but markings unclear
- LOW confidence if: canister body only
Hazard Quick Ref
- PROXIMITY FUZE -- MAY FUNCTION WHEN APPROACHED
- RF SILENCE within safety radius (no radios, cell phones)
- FAE/thermobaric: if casing breached, fuel vapor EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE/EXPLOSIVE
- BIP ONLY recommended
- Maximum standoff for initial assessment
PROFILE 7: 9N277 (FAE/Incendiary, Parachute-Retarded)
[NEW -- FIRST SEEN UKRAINE, April 2022]
Key Visual Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| Shape | Canister/cylindrical body |
| Size | Unknown exact dimensions |
| Color | Unknown standard color |
| Retardation | PARACHUTE |
| Markings | Look for "9N277" or "9H277" in Cyrillic |
| Related to | 9N247M (appeared 4 months later) |
Discrimination Notes
- Closely related to 9N247M; may be indistinguishable without markings
- Distinguished from 9N279 by SIZE (9N279 is much larger, ~280x530 mm)
- Distinguished from 9N267M by ABSENCE of proximity fuze sensor
Hazard Quick Ref
- FAE/Incendiary fill: fire and vapor hazard
- Parachute-retarded = designed for surface burst
- BIP recommended
PROFILE 8: 9N279 (Incendiary, Large, Parachute-Retarded)
Key Visual Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| Shape | Large canister/cylindrical body |
| Size | LARGE: ~280 mm diameter x 530 mm length (size of a fire extinguisher) |
| Weight | Heavy (specific weight not confirmed) |
| Color | Unknown standard color |
| Retardation | PARACHUTE -- large parachute expected given item size |
| Markings | Look for "9N279" or "9H279" in Cyrillic |
| Context | 300mm rocket-dispensed; also found in SYRIA (2017) |
Discrimination Notes
- SIZE is the primary discriminator -- much larger than typical submunitions
- ~280x530 mm = approximately the size of a large fire extinguisher or thermos
- vs 9N247M/9N277: 9N279 is dramatically larger
- vs 9N24: 9N24 has visible frag rings, no parachute; 9N279 has parachute, much larger
Field Recognition Confidence Indicators
- HIGH confidence if: large canister (~280x530 mm) + parachute + Cyrillic markings + near Smerch rocket debris
- MEDIUM confidence if: large parachute-retarded canister submunition
- LOW confidence if: large canister without parachute or markings
Hazard Quick Ref
- Large incendiary fill = significant fire hazard
- If casing breached: spontaneous ignition possible
- Size means significant blast if HE component present
- BIP recommended
- Found in Syria AND Ukraine -- two-conflict documentation
PROFILE 9: 9N730 (HE-Frag, Iskander, Fin-Stabilized)
Key Visual Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| Shape | Cylindrical/conical body with deployed fins |
| Size | Not confirmed in OSINT (estimated medium-large based on 54-per-warhead count in 480 kg warhead) |
| Color | Steel/olive drab expected |
| Stabilization | SPRING-LOADED FINS (deploy after warhead separation) |
| Nose | PROXIMITY FUZE (9E156 "Zont") -- laser-based; look for LENS or SENSOR WINDOW in nose |
| Markings | Look for "9N730", "9H730", "9E156" in Cyrillic |
| Context | Found at Iskander SRBM impact sites |
Discrimination Notes
- FIN-STABILIZED + PROXIMITY FUZE NOSE = primary discriminators
- vs 9N210/9N235: Those have RIBBON tails and IMPACT fuzes; 9N730 has FINS and PROXIMITY fuze
- vs AO-10: AO-10 has fixed fins (not spring-loaded) and impact fuze (no sensor)
- vs 9N267M: Both have proximity fuzes but 9N730 has FINS while 9N267M may be canister-type
- Context: will be found near large Iskander missile debris (7.3 m missile body fragments)
Field Recognition Confidence Indicators
- HIGH confidence if: deployed spring-loaded fins + nose sensor/lens + near Iskander debris
- MEDIUM confidence if: fin-stabilized submunition with nose sensor element
- LOW confidence if: fin-stabilized submunition body without clear fuze identification
Hazard Quick Ref
- PROXIMITY FUZE (LASER) -- may activate on approach
- If fins deployed: was separated from warhead and likely ARMED
- 54 per warhead: expect many more in area
- From Iskander: large dispersal area (Mach 6-7 terminal velocity)
PROFILE 10: AO-1 / AO-1SCh (Cast-Iron Frag)
Key Visual Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| Shape | Small cylinder with rear stabilizer block |
| Size | 49 mm dia x 156 mm length |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Color | Dark grey/olive; cast iron may show rust/corrosion |
| Body texture | CAST IRON -- rough surface, visible casting seams |
| Tail | Small stabilizer fin block (NOT ribbon, NOT parachute) |
| Nose | AM-A fuze location |
| Markings | Soviet-era Cyrillic |
Discrimination Notes
- Cast-iron body with rough surface texture = primary discriminator
- vs AO-2.5RT: AO-1SCh is smaller (49 mm vs 90 mm dia) and lighter (1.2 kg vs 2.8 kg); cast iron vs steel
- vs 3B30: AO-1SCh is larger (49 mm vs 43 mm) and heavier (1.2 kg vs 240 g); no shaped charge
- vs 9N210/9N235: AO-1SCh has stabilizer BLOCK (not ribbon); cast iron body
- Cast iron will show casting seams and rough texture; steel submunitions are smoother
Hazard Quick Ref
- NO self-destruct = armed indefinitely
- AM-A impact fuze: sensitive to shock
- Aged stocks: explosive may be crystallized/more sensitive
- 150 per RBK-250-275 bomb: expect many in area
PROFILE 11: AO-2.5RT / AO-2.5RTM (HE-Frag AP)
Key Visual Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| Shape | OVAL/EGG-SHAPED -- distinctive |
| Size | 90 mm dia x 150 mm length (115 mm with stabilizers) |
| Weight | 2.8 kg |
| Color | Steel/olive drab |
| Body texture | SMOOTH steel surface (CRITICAL: no dimples) |
| Fuze | Central all-ways-acting fuze visible on body surface |
| Stabilization | Small stabilizer elements at one end |
| Markings | Cyrillic stenciling |
Discrimination Notes -- CRITICAL
PREVIOUSLY MISIDENTIFIED AS CHINESE MZD-2. CHECK BODY TEXTURE FIRST.
| Feature | AO-2.5RT (Russian) | MZD-2 (Chinese) |
|---|
| Body texture | SMOOTH | DIMPLED/STIPPLED (hemispherical indentations in grid) |
| Diameter | ~90 mm | ~30 mm |
| Weight | ~2.8 kg | ~0.5 kg |
| Fragmentation | Ball bearings / wire fragments | Scored casing |
| Size | Significantly larger | Significantly smaller |
KEY RULE: If body surface shows regular hemispherical indentations = CHINESE (MZD-2). If body surface is SMOOTH = RUSSIAN (AO-2.5RT). Check body texture FIRST.
Hazard Quick Ref
- All-ways-acting fuze: functions from ANY angle
- NO self-destruct (standard) = armed indefinitely
- 550 g TG-40 explosive = significant blast
- Known to be repurposed as IEDs in conflict zones
PROFILE 12: AO-10 Series (Mk1, Mk2, AO-10-6.5)
Key Visual Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| Shape | Looks like a SMALL ARTILLERY PROJECTILE with added tail fins |
| Size | ~87 mm body dia x 405 mm total length; 119 mm tail span |
| Color | Olive drab or heavily corroded steel |
| Stabilization | FIXED TAIL FINS (not spring-loaded, not ribbon) |
| Body | Based on 76mm artillery projectile body |
| Fuze | AM-A at nose |
| Markings | Soviet-era Cyrillic (pre-WWII design) |
Discrimination Notes
- Looks like a small artillery projectile = key visual cue
- Largest of the submunitions profiled here (405 mm long)
- vs AO-1SCh: AO-10 is much larger (87 mm vs 49 mm dia, 405 mm vs 156 mm length)
- vs 9N730: AO-10 has FIXED fins (not spring-loaded) and IMPACT fuze (no sensor in nose)
- vs mortar bomb: Similar appearance; check context (RBK-500 bomb casing debris nearby?)
Hazard Quick Ref
- PRE-WWII DESIGN: explosive may have degraded/crystallized
- NO self-destruct
- AM-A impact fuze: sensitive to shock
- Treat aged items with EXTREME caution
PROFILE 13: M77 DPICM (US-Supplied)
Key Visual Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| Shape | Small tubular cylinder with domed top |
| Size | 38 mm diameter (smaller than a golf ball width) |
| Weight | 213 g (very light) |
| Color | Steel/olive drab |
| Nose (open end) | COPPER shaped-charge liner visible |
| Tail (domed end) | FABRIC "TASSEL" RIBBON -- loop of cloth, not a streamer |
| Markings | ENGLISH TEXT -- US lot numbers, NSN-style markings |
Discrimination Notes
- ENGLISH MARKINGS = primary discriminator from all Russian submunitions
- vs 3B30: M77 is smaller (38 mm vs 43 mm); fabric tassel vs ribbon streamer; English vs Cyrillic
- vs 9N210/9N235: M77 is much smaller (38 mm vs ~56-65 mm) and lighter (213 g vs ~1.8 kg)
- Copper nose liner similar to 3B30 but smaller diameter
- Fabric "tassel" ribbon is distinctive -- not a long streamer like Russian types
Hazard Quick Ref
- DPICM: shaped charge directional hazard
- Claimed dud rate <2.35%; field conditions: 6-14%
- 72-88 per artillery shell: expect MANY duds in area
- Small size = detection-challenging
APPENDIX: SIZE COMPARISON REFERENCE
SUBMUNITION SIZE COMPARISON (to scale, diameter)
38 mm [===] M77 (US DPICM)
43 mm [====] 3B30 (Russian DPICM)
49 mm [=====] AO-1SCh
56 mm [======] 9N210
65 mm [=======] 9N235
73 mm [========] 9N22 (FROG-7)
87 mm [==========] AO-10 series
90 mm [==========] AO-2.5RT/RTM
280 mm [================================] 9N279 (LARGE)
WEIGHT COMPARISON
0.2 kg |= 3B30, M77
1.2 kg |====== AO-1SCh
1.8 kg |========= 9N210, 9N235
2.8 kg |============== AO-2.5RT
7.5 kg |===================================== 9N22, 9N24, 9N730 (est)
STABILIZATION METHOD QUICK REFERENCE
| Method | Submunitions |
|---|
| Ribbon/streamer | 3B30, 9N22, 9N24, 9N210, 9N235 |
| Fabric tassel | M77 |
| Parachute | 9N247M, 9N267M, 9N277, 9N279 |
| Spring-loaded fins | 9N730 |
| Fixed fins | AO-10 series |
| Stabilizer block | AO-1SCh |
| Drag/shape (none) | AO-2.5RT/RTM (all-ways-acting fuze) |
Document compiled 2026-03-28. OSINT only -- verify against classified/controlled sources before operational use.