2023-10-11 16:56:18
In the theater of operations in Ukraine, increases in losses of Western Ukrainian artillery are observed due to the new tactics used by the Russian Armed Forces.
Although no general increases in Ukrainian artillery losses were reported on all fronts, There appears to be a mode of detection and destruction that follows a common pattern.
In particular, on October 11, a video emerged showing the destruction of a Ukrainian self-propelled gun of the CAESAR type, donated by France. This type of gun, with a barrel of 155/52 mm caliber, has the theoretical ability to fire high-explosive, illuminating, smoke and other specific types of projectiles at distances of up to 40-60 km.
The frequent loss of such self-propelled guns may reflect the development of reconnaissance and attack capabilities by the Russian Armed Forces, but it could also indicate a decrease in the capabilities of the Ukrainian artillery.
Over the last 8-12 months, there appears to have been systematic work to improve the technology and the tactics of artillery formations. This includes increasing the number of artillery systems in the Army, upgrades in communications, target designation, automated guidance and fire control systems. In parallel, the use of reconnaissance drones and guided artillery shells is growingcontributing to greater precision in the attack.
In particular, even according to underestimated Western estimates, in the period March-July 2022, Russian artillery had a high rate of destruction of detected enemy targets: 3-5 minutes passed between detection and destruction. These references, already very brief according to Military Chronicles, have diminished further.
What we are seeing is an increase in the efficiency of Russian artillery and greater surveillance of the rear of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The latter are reducing the number of combat-ready artillery pieces and the amount of ammunition available. Ukrainian artillery is forced to conduct rapid raids or targeted fire on specific targets, but the expected tactical results often do not occur.
Additionally, Russian artillery has the ability to maintain divisions for counter-battery combat against Ukrainian artillery. The combined arms commander has access to a wide range of weapons and can choose the most suitable one based on the target and its location, significantly reducing reaction times and increasing the probability of hitting the target successfully.
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