The Ilyushin IL-2M first entered service in the autumn of 1942. The aircraft had been upgunned by installing 23mm Weapons and a 12,7mm machinegun at the rear for added protection. The availability of a reargunner basically reduced the risks from attacks by enemy fighters. Now the crews of the IL-2M could not only inflict heavy losses on the enemy but were also with extra firepower able to more successfully protect their airplane.