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Ukrainian artillery units, utilizing German-supplied howitzers, are engaged in strategic maneuvers to avoid detection by Russian drones along the eastern frontlines.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Amid the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian artillery units equipped with German-supplied Panzerhaubitze 2000 howitzers are tactically navigating the threats posed by Russian surveillance and attack drones. The units, including those from the 43rd Artillery Brigade, operate in a high-risk environment characterized by frequent repositioning to avoid being targeted by advanced Russian drone technology.
As Russian forces intensify their ground assaults across a 1,000-km (621-mile) stretch in southern and eastern Ukraine, targeting key industrial areas in the Donetsk region, the role of Ukrainian artillery has become increasingly vital. These artillery units are crucial in countering Russian advances by suppressing enemy fire. However, their effectiveness is challenged by the pervasive presence of Russian drones which hamper their operational capabilities.
According to battery commander “Lyova,” 27, from western Ukraine, the threat from drones has escalated, with his unit enduring four direct strikes from Russian Lancet attack drones. Despite these attacks, the robust armor of the Panzerhaubitze has largely shielded the crew from harm. Lyova’s unit, which constantly shifts among various camouflaged positions within dense forests, has also faced intense bombardment from Russian artillery, although without critical damage to their equipment.
Senior battery officer Andriy Stavnychyi, 31, highlighted the additional burden posed by Russian reconnaissance drones, such as the Orlan and the advanced Supercam, which often force the unit to remain stationary to avoid detection. This has led to a pressing demand among Ukrainian forces for enhanced electronic warfare systems capable of jamming Russian drone signals.
The strategic importance of Western-supplied artillery like the Panzerhaubitze is underscored by Moscow’s commitment to prioritizing strikes against these assets. This is further evidenced by the Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu’s declaration of intensified attacks on Ukrainian storage bases holding such weapons.
Rob Lee, a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, noted that diminished Ukrainian counterbattery capabilities allow Russian artillery to operate more boldly and maintain positions longer without relocating. This tactical advantage for Russia is compounded by a critical shortage of shells experienced by Ukrainian units, limiting the frequency and range of their counterattacks.
The Panzerhaubitze crews face significant logistical challenges, including a scarcity of proprietary 155mm ammunition essential for maximizing the howitzer’s effectiveness. The ongoing delays in military aid, such as the anticipated $61-billion U.S. package, exacerbate these challenges, leaving the units in a precarious position as they await essential supplies.
In this high-stakes environment, the integration of electronic warfare, surveillance, and artillery is deemed crucial by Ukrainian forces to enhance their operational efficacy and resilience against the evolving threats on the battlefield.
