US military experts tell how NATO standards artillery will change the situation on the battlefield
Western artillery going to Ukraine will change the war with Russia. This is a long-range weapon that will start a truly bloody battle of intelligence. This will make both sides smarter and more maneuverable. This was reported by The Washington Post with reference to the forecasts of US officials and military analysts.
The newspaper writes that after Russia's failed attempt to quickly seize the main settlements of Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv, the Ukrainian authorities and Ukraine's Western partners are preparing for a tough campaign in Donbas. Long-range guns are a central element of Russia's arsenal and already have a devastating effect in places such as the bombed-out port of Mariupol.
Speaking with his Canadian counterpart at the Pentagon on Thursday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said long-range artillery would be “decisive” in the next phase of the war. “The Biden administration, which, along with Canada, is training a small number of Ukrainian troops to operate dozens of 155-mm howitzers promised by both countries, is expected to approve the transfer of even more artillery to Ukraine in the coming days,” said Lloyd Austin. American and Canadian howitzers bound for Ukraine are towed on trailers, and the Caesar self-propelled howitzers promised by France fire the same 155-mm explosive shells, but from the back of the truck's chassis.
“The United States alone has already promised Zelensky nearly 190,000 artillery shells plus 90 howitzers to fire. As of Thursday, more than half of them have already arrived in Ukraine, “the publication quoted a senior US defense official as saying on condition of anonymity.
Read also: The US Congress has supported a land lease bill for Ukraine >”A new $ 33 billion request to Congress for additional assistance to Ukraine includes a proposal to fund” heavier long-range artillery, “Secretary of State Anthony Blinken told lawmakers on Capitol Hill, without specifying which systems. Other allies, such as Britain and Sweden, may also send artillery, analysts say.
So far, Russia and Ukraine have exchanged fire using some of the same systems, including the powerful 300mm Tornado multiple rocket launcher, which can fire at a distance of about 55 miles, and the old 122mm howitzers, first launched in the 1960s. . Analysts expect the introduction of various Western artillery pieces to accelerate the tactical shift of both sides to use so-called counter-battery fire, during which military forces search for their enemy's artillery, determine its location and attack.
< p>
According to analysts, Ukraine's ability to target Russian artillery units is particularly important as the Kremlin has shown a willingness to attack cities, destroying homes and infrastructure. “The mere existence of more Ukrainian artillery units firing counter-battery fire will impair Russia's ability to sit there, stockpile ammunition and travel to the city,” said Scott Boston, a former U.S. Army field artillery officer who studies the Russian military for Rand Corp. .
Ukraine and its Western allies want Russian troops to never be sure that headquarters, or key munitions depots, or important clusters of fire platforms can stand still and not be targeted.
Russian artillery units are often disguised as camouflage or other forms of cover, and a combination of reconnaissance, drones and radars may be needed to detect them. To this end, the West provides Ukraine with drones and counter-battery radars.
“President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi also asked for some form of multiple rocket-propelled grenade launchers, such as the HIMARS high-precision high-precision artillery missile system used by the US Army and Marine Corps. Such weapons quickly launch shells, which is useful for firing at enemy artillery forces before they are moved, “said Mark Kansian, a retired Marine colonel studying war for the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.
In other words, HIMARS will be “under considerable pressure in the coming days” and he will not be surprised if the United States starts supplying it soon.
The main advantage of Western artillery over Soviet artillery is that it is easier to replenish shells. After all, only Poland, Bulgaria and several other NATO allies produce shells for Soviet artillery, and many more countries produce ammunition for Western weapons.
Read also: Why Biden defeats Putin in Ukraine
< It will be recalled that Ukraine is switching to NATO standards , and the Ukrainian military has been training there for some time .
See the special topic: In Transcarpathia, the scheme of deportation of “evaders” was exposed The defendants face imprisonment for up to seven years. Ukraine will have access to liquefied gas terminals in Poland and Lithuania this summer Europe is purposefully moving towards energy independence from Russia. “Hunger should not be a weapon”: Almost 4.5 million tons of grain are blocked in Ukrainian ports – UN data The situation affects the Middle East and Africa, where cheap bread from Ukraine becomes one of the few opportunities to survive. UAF shot down 10 Russian Orlan drones in a day The drone is becoming one of the most popular targets of Ukrainian defenders. Invaders unsuccessfully storm Gulyaipole, suffer significant losses – Zaporizhzhya OVA Ukrainian fortification specialists continue to work to strengthen the defensive lines in the region.
