24 DECEMBER 2022

The full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war has been going on for exactly 10 months. During this time, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, thanks to international consolidation, have become much stronger and are actively mastering Western weapons.

About the most interesting samples – in the material RBC-Ukraine .

“Bayraktars”

Turkish combat drones Bayraktar TB2 became a hit in the first months of defense, when the Internet was flooded with videos of work on enemy positions, armored vehicles and so on. For example, during the liberation of Zmeiny Island, Russian helicopters, the navy and air defense systems were successfully attacked.

By the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine had only 16 units. After that, at least 50 new drones were received to create an echelon of constant monitoring and reconnaissance and increase strike capabilities. In addition, volunteers in Ukraine, Poland and other countries collected money for drones, but the Turkish manufacturer Baykar Makina transferred them free of charge after such actions.

HIMARS

In the summer, the Ukrainian army began to receive American highly mobile HIMARS missile and rocket systems. A total of at least 38 units have been transferred as of today, according to the Pentagon. Long-range artillery was able to neutralize the advantage of the Russians in some areas.

Photo: Ukraine received several dozen HIMARS systems (GettyImages)

Standard ammunition for HIMARS allows you to hit targets at a distance of 40 to 80 km. These systems helped in many ways to liberate the regions of Kharkiv and Kherson regions, and today they keep enemy rear lines in the occupied territory in suspense.

The Ukrainian side hopes to receive ATACMS missiles for these systems, which can hit targets at a distance of up to 300 km. But recently it became known that the transferred units were specially modified and will not be able to fire such ammunition . This was done ostensibly to prevent strikes against the Russian Federation.

American M270 MLRS, German MARS and French LRUs

All of these are universal rocket launchers that are used as multiple rocket launchers. The French LRUs, like the German MARS, are European variants of the American M270 MLRS.

There are no significant differences between them, they are famous for their “surgical” accuracy, and they differ from HIMARS in the presence of a caterpillar platform and twice the amount of ammunition. Capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 70 km.

Self-propelled artillery – PzH 2000, Caesar, AHS Krab and Zuzana 2

Western allies handed over to Ukraine dozens of self-propelled artillery units, including modern ones. The German PzH 2000 uses artillery rounds of separate loading, the firing range of standard ammunition is 30 km.

French Caesars have a barrel length of 52 calibers, 18 rounds of ammunition and a rate of fire of 6 rounds per minute. Capable of using the entire range of NATO 155 mm ammunition.

Dozens of Polish-made AHS Krab howitzers have proven themselves from the best side. The installation can fire at a speed of 6 shots per minute or in series of 3 shots in 10 seconds. The maximum target engagement range is 40 km. Turns into position in 30 seconds.

The Slovak Zuzana 2 also hits 40 km, is capable of firing precision-guided munitions with a deviation from the target of only 1-2 meters. It should be noted that the Russian self-propelled guns “Msta-S” with the closest characteristics are capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 25 km. Therefore, Western models provide a noticeable advantage to Ukrainian troops.

Sky Defenders

Russian missile attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector have accelerated the delivery of modern air defense systems. At the moment, about a dozen Western complexes of various names have appeared in service. Let’s consider the most interesting ones.

IRIS-T

The most modern anti-aircraft missile system from Germany, which is not in service even with the German army. The Armed Forces of Ukraine were the first in the world to receive this system and successfully use it in combat conditions. According to statistics, IRIS-T shoots down 9 out of 10 enemy missiles. Maximum range – 40 km, height – up to 20 km. The main feature is a highly maneuverable missile, which is able to distinguish a target from heat traps.

Photo: IRIS-T air defense system (wikimedia.org)

Today, Ukraine has one such system at its disposal, but in the near future Berlin will supply three more units. Read more about them in a separate article by RBC-Ukraine .

NASAMS

Last month, Ukraine received two NASAMS short- and medium-range systems from the United States. They, in turn, can shoot down air targets at a distance of up to 25 km and at an altitude of up to 15 km.

Photo: NASAMS anti-aircraft missile system (GettyImages)

It is known that the Pentagon signed a contract for the supply of 6 more NASAMS systems. However, the order will be tentatively completed in 2025. In parallel, Western allies are working on the possible transfer of such systems from the Middle East.

Read more about these systems in the article “NASAMS for Ukraine: what systems the US will supply for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and what you need to know about them.”

HAWK

Not as fresh as the above air defense systems. Ukraine received American-made HAWK complexes from Spain, and deliveries from the United States were also announced.

Photo: Hawk air defense systems (flickr.com)

The maximum range of destruction reaches 40 km, height – up to 18 km. The last samples were withdrawn from service in 2002, but one of the advantages of the HAWK is its large stocks of missiles.

Crotale

The armed forces also received two Crotale SAM batteries from France. They operate at low altitudes. Target range – up to 10 km, height – up to 5 km. The complex can be used to destroy enemy aircraft and helicopters at low altitudes, as well as cruise missiles or drones.

It should be noted that today there is no data on the effectiveness of the use of these systems in Ukraine. Read more about the characteristics in the material “Rattlesnake” on guard of the Ukrainian sky. What French air defense systems Crotale are capable of.

And one of the main news is that Ukraine will receive American Patriot systems . The United States recently announced a nearly $2 billion military aid package, which for the first time will include a battery of “patriots.”

The Ukrainian side hopes that this is only the beginning and that the United States, as well as other partners, will support this initiative. It is not yet known when the Patriot will take up combat duty, since Ukrainian crews must first be trained in a third country. Training is expected to begin soon, but the entire process could take several months.

Nevertheless, the Patriot can significantly enhance the defense capability of Ukraine, since it is a missile defense system. With their help, it will be possible to shoot down even ballistic missiles, against which so far our air defense is almost powerless.

***

Western weapons are making a difference on the battlefield right now. Russian propaganda is trying to downplay their influence on the situation at the front, but the extreme achievements of the Armed Forces of Ukraine just prove the opposite.

Recently, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba predicted that after the victory, the Ukrainian army will become the most powerful in Europe . Accelerated deliveries of such and even more advanced weapons in the required quantities can bring this fact closer.

Read urgent and important messages about Russia’s war against Ukraine on the RBC-Ukraine Telegram channel.

https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/stali-silnishimi-koyu-zbroeyu-posililasya-1671820987.html