View source for KS-19

{{Infobox weapon
| name               = KS-19 100mm anti-aircraft gun
| image              = Stalin line - KS-19.JPG
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = KS-19 in Russia.
| origin             = Soviet Union
| type               = [[Anti-aircraft gun]]
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged          = y
| is_explosive       = y
| is_artillery       = yes
<!-- Service history -->| service            = 1948–present
| used_by            = 
| wars               = [[Korean War]]<br />[[Vietnam War]]<br />[[Iran-Iraq War]]<br />[[Somali Civil War]]<br /> [[Russo-Ukrainian War]]<br />[[Second Nagorno-Karabakh War]]
<!-- Production history -->| designer           = L. V. Lulyev
| design_date        = 
| manufacturer       = 
| production_date    = N/A
| number             = N/A
| variants           = <!-- General specifications -->
| weight             = 9,550 kg (21,054 lbs)
| length             = 9.45 m (31 ft)
| part_length        = {{convert|5.7|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name="Jane">{{Cite book|title=Jane's pocket book of towed artillery|last=Foss|first=Christopher|date=1977|publisher=Collier|page=257|isbn=0020806000|location=New York|oclc=911907988}}</ref>
| width              = 2.35 m (7 ft 8 in)
| height             = 1.60 m (5 ft 3 in)
| crew               = 15
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->| cartridge          = [[Glossary of British ordnance terms#Fixed QF|Fixed QF]] 100×695 mm. R<ref name="Jane" />
| caliber            = 100 mm (3.94 in)
| action             = 
| rate               = 15 rounds per minute
| velocity           = 900-1,000 m/s
| range              = 
| max_range          = Horizontal: {{convert|21|km|mi|abbr=on}}<br /> Vertical: 12,700 m (41,667 ft) timed fuse.<br />15,000 m (49,213 ft) proximity fuse.
| feed               = 
| sights             = <!-- Artillery specifications -->
| breech             = Semi-automatic horizontal [[Rifled breech loader#The sliding block|sliding-wedge]]<ref name="Jane" />
| recoil             = 
| carriage           = 
| elevation          = −3°/+85
| traverse           = 360°
<!-- Bladed weapon specifications -->| blade_type         = 
| hilt_type          = 
| sheath_type        = 
| head_type          = 
| haft_type          = <!-- Explosive specifications -->
| diameter           = 
| filling            = 
| filling_weight     = 
| detonation         = 
}}

The '''KS-19 100mm anti-aircraft gun''' ({{langx|ru|КС-19 100мм зенитная установка}}) is a [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] [[anti-aircraft gun]] that also features efficient capabilities against ground targets.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=KS-19 |url=https://weaponsystems.net/system/422-KS-19 |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=Weaponsystems.net |language=en}}</ref>

== Characteristics ==
The KS-19 is a towed anti-aircraft gun that was specifically designed to excel in ground combat, particularly against armored targets and as artillery.<ref name="Bishop">Bishop C and Drury I. The Encyclopedia of World Military Power (1988). Temple Press/Aerospace publishing.</ref> Due to its towed nature, it requires an external means of mobility, typically an AT-S Medium or [[AT-T]] Heavy tracked artillery tractor.<ref name="Bishop" /> The 15-man crew is transported on the tractor, along with readily available ammunition for the gun.<ref name="Bishop" />

This rifled gun boasts a semiautomatic horizontal sliding wedge block, a power rammer, an automatic fuze setter, and a long muzzle brake.<ref name="IG1973">{{citation |title=Identification Guide |url=https://cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/api/collection/p4013coll9/id/675/download |volume=II |year=1973 |publisher=Headquarters United States Army, Europe and Seventh Army |page=225}}</ref> The loading tray allows for quick and efficient ammunition loading, enabling a well-trained crew to fire a maximum of 15 rounds per minute.<ref name="Bishop" /> The fire control system comprises the PUAZO-6/19 directional system, along with a [[SON-9|SON 9]] (NATO Reporting name 'Fire Can') or [[SON-9|SON-9A]] fire control radar.<ref name="IG1973" /> While the onboard sights are adequate for engaging air targets, greater accuracy is achieved when used in conjunction with the fire control radar.<ref name="Bishop" />

The ammunition is of a fixed type and is largely interchangeable with other 100mm rifled tank and field guns.<ref name="IG1973" /> Anti-aircraft ammunition includes high explosive, high explosive fragmentation, and fragmentation types.<ref name="IG1973" /> The two types of armor-piercing rounds are the AP-T (Armor Piercing-Tracer) and the APC-T (Armor Piercing Capped-Tracer).<ref name="Bishop" /> The AP-T round is reputed to penetrate 185&nbsp;mm of armor at a range of 1000&nbsp;m.<ref name="Bishop" />

== History ==
The KS-19 gun was developed to replace the 85mm anti-aircraft guns that were used during [[World War II]].<ref name="IG1973" /> It was widely adopted by all of the [[Warsaw Pact]] armies and saw action with communist forces in both [[Korean War|Korea]] and [[Vietnam War|Vietnam]].<ref name="IG1973" />

However, the KS-19 gun has largely been phased out of front line arsenals due to the increased use of more effective surface-to-air missiles.<ref name=":0" /> As a result, it is no longer a commonly used weapon in modern warfare.<ref name=":0" />

=== Russo-Ukrainian War ===
At the beginning of the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]] in February 2022, a number of KS-19 guns were stored in [[Balakliia]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2023-04-02 |title=Many Ukrainian KS-19 were stored in Balakliya. |url=https://twitter.com/UAWeapons/status/1642266531072491521 |access-date=2023-04-02 |website=Twitter |language=en}}</ref> However, the city was captured by Russian forces on March 3 and it is believed that the Russians may have used some of the guns as decoys.<ref name=":1" /> During the [[2022 Kharkiv counteroffensive|Kharkiv counteroffensive in 2022]], Ukraine regained control of Balakliia on September 10.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Koshiw |first1=Isobel |last2=Tondo |first2=Lorenzo |last3=Mazhulin |first3=Artem |date=2022-09-10 |title=Ukraine's southern offensive 'was designed to trick Russia' |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/10/ukraines-publicised-southern-offensive-was-disinformation-campaign |access-date=2023-04-02 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

As of April 1st, 2023, it has been reported that Ukraine is using some of the KS-19 guns that were stored in Balakliia for indirect fire against ground targets, and possibly for direct fire as well.<ref name="UWT01042023a">{{Cite web |date=April 1, 2023 |title=The Ukrainian army started to use ancient KS-19 100mm anti-aircraft guns. |url=https://twitter.com/UAWeapons/status/1642262755662000129 |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=Twitter |language=en}}</ref> One advantage of using these guns as artillery is that they fire older ammunition that is not commonly used by other Ukrainian artillery.<ref name="UWT01042023a" /> In fact, one of the Soviet UOF-412 rounds that was seen in use had been manufactured as far back as 1962.<ref name="UWT01042023b">{{Cite web |date=April 1, 2023 |title=We can see Soviet UOF-412 rounds with OF-412 projectiles |url=https://twitter.com/UAWeapons/status/1642262759294267393 |access-date=2023-04-02 |website=Twitter |language=en}}</ref>

== Variants ==


=== Soviet Union ===

'''• KS-19''' - Original production model introduced in 1948 on KZU-16 carriage.{{citation need| date = June 2025}}

'''• KS-19M''' - Updated model introduced in 1951. The grooves in the barrel were broadened to reduce the projectile's friction and reduce barrel wear.{{citation need| date = June 2025}}

'''• KS-19M2''' - Final production model introduced in 1955. Features the heavier and more stable KZU-28 carriage, which is easier to set up as well.{{citation need| date = June 2025}}

=== China ===
[[File:Type 59 anti air.jpg|thumb|Chinese Type 59 anti aircraft gun, license produced KS-19 in [[Jianchuan Museum Cluster|Jianchuan Museum]].]]
'''• Type 59''' - Chinese production model.

=== Iran ===
'''• Sa'eer''' - Iranian upgrade of either Soviet KS-19 or Chinese Type 59 with automatic targeting and reloading system revealed to the public in November 2011. Since then also observed in use in Iraq mounted on a truck.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Administrator |date=2012-02-10 |title=Saeer KS-19 automatic 100mm anti-aircraft gun technical data sheet specifications pictures {{!}} Iran Iranian army light heavy weapons UK {{!}} Iran Iranian army military equipment armoured UK |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/iran_iranian_army_light_heavy_weapons_uk/saeer_ks-19_automatic_100mm_anti-aircraft_gun_technical_data_sheet_specifications_pictures.html |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Army Recognition |language=en-gb}}</ref>

=== Syria ===
[[Hezbollah]] militia has reportedly operated a KS-19 systems mounted on 2K12E Kvadrat tracked chassis, the export variant of the [[2K12 Kub]] anti-aircraft missile system in 2016. Hezbollah also operated multiple KS-19 systems mounted on commercial trucks.

=== Ukraine ===
The 241st<ref>{{Cite web |last=Axe |first=David |title=Ukraine's Latest Mobile Howitzer Is A Soviet Anti-Aircraft Gun From The 1940s Bolted To A Modern Czech Cargo Truck |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/11/21/ukraines-latest-mobile-howitzer-is-a-soviet-anti-aircraft-gun-from-the-1940s-bolted-to-a-modern-czech-cargo-truck/ |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> and 111th<ref>{{Citation |title=Ukraine - XX.08.2023. KS-19 AA Guns Mounted On A Trucks In Use By Soldiers Of The 111th TDF Brigade. | date=15 September 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e21iwd2tQvM |access-date=2024-01-10 |language=en}}</ref> [[Territorial Defense Forces (Ukraine)|TDF]] brigades, operated multiple KS-19 systems mounted on trucks in 2023 during the [[Russo-Ukrainian War|Russo-Ukrainian war]] in indirect fire support role.

== Surviving Examples ==

* [[Jianchuan Museum Cluster|Jianchuan Museum]] - Type 59 variant

== Operators ==
{{div col}}

=== '''Current''' ===
* {{flag|Azerbaijan}} – 8 <ref>{{cite web | url=https://yenisabah.az/kelbecerde-artilleriya-qurgulari-ve-sursat-askarlandi-fotolar | title=Kəlbəcərdə artilleriya qurğuları və sursat aşkarlandı - Fotolar | date=30 March 2024 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Cambodia}} – 50{{cn|date=April 2023}}
* {{flag|Cuba}} – Unknown<ref name=IISS2022>{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The military balance. 2022 |date=2022 |location=Abingdon, Oxon |isbn=978-1032279008 |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies }}</ref>{{rp|410}}
* {{flag|Guinea}} – 4<ref name=IISS>{{cite book |last=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]]|date=2021|title=The Military Balance|page=470|publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=9781032012278}}</ref>
* {{flag|Iran}}<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjNQ5TGRChs Iran produces smart 100mm anti-aircraft gun – YouTube<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
* {{flag|Mauritania}} – 12<ref>IISS 2007, p.236</ref>
* {{flag|North Korea}}<ref name="Military Factory">[https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=444 Military Factory]</ref> 
* {{COG}} - Unknown<ref name="IISS2023">{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2023 |date=15 February 2023 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1032508955 |edition=1st |author1-link=Institute for Strategic Studies}}</ref>{{rp|444}}
* {{flag|Romania}}<ref name="sipri1">[http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php Trade Registers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022558/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |date=2010-04-14 }}. Armstrade.sipri.org. Retrieved on 12 June 2015</ref>
* {{flag|Syria}} – Unknown<ref name=IISS2022></ref>{{rp|370}}
* {{Flagicon|Transnistria}} [[Transnistria]]{{cn|date=April 2023}}
* {{flag|Ukraine}}: The Ukrainian army started to use KS-19 100mm anti-aircraft guns in 2023.<ref name="UWT01042023a" />
* {{flag|Vietnam}}<ref name="Military Factory"/> 
* {{flag|Yemen}}{{cn|date=April 2023}}

=== '''Former operators''' ===
* {{flag|Afghanistan}}<ref name="Military Factory"/> 
* {{flag|Albania}}{{cn|date=April 2023}}
* {{flag|Algeria}} – 150 in 2018.<ref name=IISS2018 />{{rp|325}}
* {{flag|Artsakh}} − Seized by Azerbaijan after the [[2023 Azerbaijani offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mitzer |first1=Stijin |last2=Oliemans |first2=Joost |title=Documenting Equipment Losses During The September 2023 Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2023/09/documenting-equipment-losses-during.html |website=Oryx |access-date=7 October 2023}}</ref>
* {{flag|Bulgaria}}<ref name=IISS2018>{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance. 2018 |date=14 February 2018 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1857439557 |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies }}</ref>{{rp|89}}
* {{flag|China}} – Produced as Type 59.<ref name="Military Factory"/> Retired.
* {{flag|Czechoslovakia}}<ref name="Military Factory"/> 
* {{flag|Egypt}} – 300 in 2018.<ref name=IISS2018 />{{rp|332}}
* {{flag|Georgia}} – Used in ground role.<ref name=IISS2001>{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance. 2001-2002 |date=1 October 2001 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0198509790 |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies }}</ref>{{rp|89}}
* {{flag|Hungary}}{{cn|date=April 2023}}
* {{flag|Iraq}}{{cn|date=April 2023}}
* {{flag|Kazakhstan}}<ref name="Military Factory"/> 
* {{flag|Poland}} – Withdrawn from service in late 1950s.{{cn|date=April 2023}}
* {{flag|Morocco}} – 17 in 2018.<ref name=IISS2018 />{{rp|351}}
* {{NIC}}<ref name="IISS1989" />{{rp|198}}
* {{flag|North Vietnam}}{{cn|date=April 2023}}
* {{RUS}} – Used at least until 2008.<ref name="IISS2008">{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance. 2008 |date=5 February 2008 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1857434613 |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies }}</ref>{{rp|213}}
* {{flag|Somalia}} – 24 in 1989.<ref name="IISS1989" />{{rp|113}}
* {{flag|Soviet Union}}<ref name="IISS1989">{{cite book |last1=Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The military balance, 1989-1990 |date=1989 |publisher=Brassey's |location=London |isbn=978-0080375694 |author1-link=Institute for Strategic Studies }}</ref>{{rp|34}}
* {{flag|Sudan}}<ref name="IISS1989" />{{rp|114}}
{{end div col}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120814221611/http://www.armyrecognition.com/iran_iranian_army_light_heavy_weapons_uk/sa_eer_saeer_ks-19_automatic_100mm_anti-aircraft_gun_technical_data_sheet_specifications_pictures.html Sa'eer Iranian upgrade of Russian made KS-19 technical data sheet]
*[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/ks-19.htm Globalsecurity.org]
{{SovArtyColdWar}}
[[Category:Anti-aircraft guns of the Soviet Union]]
[[Category:100 mm artillery]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1948]]