Stuart Galbraith Posted February 10 Posted February 10 On 2/7/2025 at 6:07 PM, JWB said: https://x.com/Osinttechnical/status/1887596723415228436 A collection of Ukrainian long-range attack drones in service with the 14th UAV regiment. A wide representation of models that have been wrecking havoc on Russian war infrastructure (from top to bottom, An-196 Liutyi, UJ-22 Airborne, UJ-26 Bober, and the unnamed turbojet drone. The bottom one shows a remarkable similarity to the British Banshee drone. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QinetiQ_Banshee
X-Files Posted February 10 Posted February 10 Predictive military sci-fi of the late 20th century now comes to pass (yes, I'm aware of Afghanistan). Donkeys are starting to appear among the Kremlin's invasion forces, with Russian media and war commentators reporting that the animals are used to ferry ammunition and supplies. The spotlight on the pack animals comes as the Ukraine war continues to strain resources on both sides, and as Russia's ability to sustain its cornered economy — now increasingly reliant on defense manufacturing — remains in question. Its full-scale invasion is set to enter its fourth year on February 24. Pro-Kremlin military bloggers published footage last week of soldiers interacting with donkeys, saying they were deployed as pack transport. Business Insider could not independently verify the authenticity of the footage. Russian troops are turning to donkeys for battlefield transport as the war approaches its 3-year mark
JWB Posted February 10 Posted February 10 https://x.com/wartranslated/status/1888932194548150729 Latvia has ordered Patria 6x6 armored personnel carriers to be delivered to Ukraine this year." - the country's Ministry of Defense. The number of vehicles has not been specified.
alejandro_ Posted February 10 Posted February 10 The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has transmitted to the headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief data on losses in the army, killed and missing. There are 105 thousand of them. This was stated by journalist Yuri Butusov. According to him, the confirmed number of dead is 70 thousand, and 35 thousand are missing. https://strana.today/news/476273-v-vsu-pohibli-70-tysjach-propali-bez-vesti-35-tysjach-butusov.html
crazyinsane105 Posted February 11 Posted February 11 Interesting, this is quite a slow moving ordinance, yet AD struggles to intercept it.
alejandro_ Posted February 12 Posted February 12 Good article on 2S44 "Giatsint-K" self-propelled gun. Analysis mentions again the issue of producing/obtaining 152mm ammunition/guns, and suggests transitioning to a 155 mm caliber with 23-25 liter chambers, as China and North Korea have done in the past. Google translate According to a video report from the TV show “Evening with Vladimir Solovyov” aired on February 10, 2025 , new 152-mm self-propelled guns 2S44 “Giatsint-K” on a wheeled chassis were delivered to equip the newly formed artillery division of the 238th separate guards artillery brigade of the 8th guards combined arms army of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in the special military operation zone in Ukraine. 152-mm/50 self-propelled gun 2S44 "Giatsint-K" on a wheeled chassis as part of the 238th separate guards artillery brigade of the 8th guards combined arms army of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in the special military operation zone in Ukraine, February 2025 (c) frame from the TV show "Evening with Vladimir Solovyov" (via @btvt2019) According to the available data, these 2S44 Giatsint-K systems are a new version of the 2S43 Malva self-propelled gun on the BAZ-6910-027 Voshchina (8x8) wheeled chassis, with the installation of a 152 mm / 50 swinging part of the 2A36 Giatsint-B towed gun. Developed by JSC Central Research Institute Burevestnik (Nizhny Novgorod, part of JSC Research and Production Corporation Uralvagonzavod) and in small-scale production since 2023, the 2S43 Malva self-propelled gun is standardly equipped with a 152 mm / 47 swinging part 2A64 of the 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzer. In practice, the 2A64 gun with a 16-liter loading chamber is already obviously outdated and in terms of its ballistic characteristics corresponds only to Western 155-mm/39 howitzers (maximum firing range with a conventional projectile is about 24 km). As a result, as expected, it was revealed that the 2S43 Malva is unable to match the range of the modern Western 155-mm/52 howitzers, which are now widely used by the Ukrainian armed forces and are made in accordance with the NATO Joint Ballistics Memorandum of Understanding (JBMoU), which have a loading chamber volume of 23-25 liters, and due to this achieve a maximum firing range of 30-32 km with a conventional projectile. In these conditions, as can be judged, an emergency modernization of the 2S43 "Malva" was carried out with the creation of the 2S44 "Giatsint-K" variant with the imposition of the swinging part of the 152-mm / 50 towed gun 2A36 "Giatsint-B". The volume of the 2A36 charging chamber is already 27 liters and also due to design and ballistic solutions and the use of specially developed rounds (incompatible with rounds of the Msta series howitzers), its maximum range reaches 30.5 km. For the first time, samples of the 2S44 "Giatsint-K" "lit up" in a report by the Ministry of Defense from one of the training grounds in December 2024, and, judging by the close-up photos of one of the samples, it was installed with a barrel from the towed gun 2A36 "Giatsint-B". Since the production of 2A36/2A37 oscillating parts for the Giatsint series guns, according to known data, ceased in 1993, then, apparently, the 2S44 Giatsint-K systems are equipped with barrels from towed guns from storage, which raises questions about the large-scale production of such a solution. An obvious disadvantage of the 2S43 and 2S44 systems is their bulkiness. According to bmpd, the issue of the obvious lag of domestic artillery systems of 152 mm caliber should be resolved by the long-overdue adoption of the NATO Ballistic Memorandum JBMoU and the transition to a 155 mm caliber with 23-25 liter chambers, similar to what has already been done in China and North Korea. https://bmpd.livejournal.com/4895454.html
alejandro_ Posted February 12 Posted February 12 the magazine from the Central Military District also provides the following comparison, with reference to Western sources: after the Armed Forces of Ukraine began the transition to the 155-mm caliber, the artillery firing range increased to 35-40 km, the accuracy of firing increased by 1.5-1.7 times, and the required consumption of unguided 155-mm shells to hit targets decreased by 1.8-2 times, compared to the Soviet 152-mm caliber. https://defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/rosijani_zadumalis_pro_svoju_155_mm_artileriju_jak_v_kitaju_bazoju_mozhe_buti_msta_s-12460.html
mandeb48 Posted February 12 Posted February 12 Some topics to delve into while the front barely moves. 1_ A marked decrease in the use of Lancet was observed at the end of 2024 in lostarmour. Simple media variation or something deeper? 2_ Little is seen of the Pión 2S7 compared to years ago in russia side, wear on the barrels, lack of ammunition or simple media disinterest? 3_ Has ANYONE seen a picture of the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV actually operating at the front? 4_ AK-12 2023. better than an ak-74m? why? 5_ Which truck carries the weight of logistics on the Ukrainian side?
Roman Alymov Posted February 12 Posted February 12 1 hour ago, mandeb48 said: Some topics to delve into while the front barely moves. 1_ A marked decrease in the use of Lancet was observed at the end of 2024 in lostarmour. Simple media variation or something deeper? First of all, as you have correctly pointed out. "media variation" (we see not the "use of Lancets", but "Lancet striles videos published"), and now fiberFPVs with their nice picture quality are completing for media attention. Second, "end of 2024"="laue autumn/winter", in Russia it means low clowds, rain/snow/fog, and Lancet with its dependence on high-altitude wing drones for finding targets is heavily weather-dependent weapon. Third, pro-Ukrainians are now using FPV drones as interceptors of both "wing" recon drones and Lancets itself, it is adding to complexity. 1 hour ago, mandeb48 said: 2_ Little is seen of the Pión 2S7 compared to years ago in russia side, wear on the barrels, lack of ammunition or simple media disinterest? Again, see above, in 2022-2023 "big gun firing at enemy" wasthe most popular thing for TV crews to film (as it is relatively safe while impressive). Now drones videos are increasingly replacing this, plus ban on interviews with soldiers was somehow eased. 1 hour ago, mandeb48 said: 4_ AK-12 2023. better than an ak-74m? why? As far as i know AK-12 is unpopular, "Soviet-time AK is better". 1 hour ago, mandeb48 said: 5_ Which truck carries the weight of logistics on the Ukrainian side? Not "truck" but bickup/SUV, mostly heavyly used ones from Europe. But everything goes, one pro-Ukr driver described how one old Lada Mk.6 became the most popular car in his unit due to its versatility and maintability. On pro-Rus side, UAZ vans and UAZ 4x4 are most used, followed with all other types of "what you can get", including regular cars with toofs cut out etc.
Markus Becker Posted February 12 Posted February 12 The UK's military news network Forces News has provided us the first look at the Gravehawk Short Range Air Defence system that is capable of launching Soviet-legacy R-73 Air to Air missiles from a ground-based platform that fits inside of a 20-foot shipping container. A total of 17 of these systems have been pledged to Ukraine, of which two have already been delivered. Each system costs ~1 million GBP (1,2 million €) which is funded 50/50 by the UK and Denmark.
Roman Alymov Posted February 12 Posted February 12 1 hour ago, Markus Becker said: The UK's military news network Forces News has provided us the first look at the Gravehawk Short Range Air Defence system that is capable of launching Soviet-legacy R-73 Air to Air missiles from a ground-based platform that fits inside of a 20-foot shipping container. A total of 17 of these systems have been pledged to Ukraine, of which two have already been delivered. Each system costs ~1 million GBP (1,2 million €) which is funded 50/50 by the UK and Denmark. The newest "Soviet-legacy missile" is 34 years old now. Stand ready for claims "Russians are firing R-73 missiles at appartment blocks"
crazyinsane105 Posted February 13 Posted February 13 9 hours ago, Markus Becker said: The UK's military news network Forces News has provided us the first look at the Gravehawk Short Range Air Defence system that is capable of launching Soviet-legacy R-73 Air to Air missiles from a ground-based platform that fits inside of a 20-foot shipping container. A total of 17 of these systems have been pledged to Ukraine, of which two have already been delivered. Each system costs ~1 million GBP (1,2 million €) which is funded 50/50 by the UK and Denmark. Wouldn’t it make more sense for something like this to fire Western made AAMs instead of decades old Soviet ones?
alejandro_ Posted February 13 Posted February 13 3 hours ago, crazyinsane105 said: Wouldn’t it make more sense for something like this to fire Western made AAMs instead of decades old Soviet ones? Maybe not for Ukraine as it produces (or used to produce -factory was bombed) R-73s.
Stuart Galbraith Posted February 13 Posted February 13 11 hours ago, Roman Alymov said: The newest "Soviet-legacy missile" is 34 years old now. Stand ready for claims "Russians are firing R-73 missiles at appartment blocks" ASRAAM is, in terms of development, over 50 years old. Sidewinder is something like 70 years old. Your point being? If it works, it works.
Stuart Galbraith Posted February 13 Posted February 13 As for why use Ukrainian missiles, it may be the Ukrainians asked for that themselves, presumably because they are familiar with the missile and its available. There is a similar system that uses ASRAAM. https://www.twz.com/land/containerized-sam-system-that-fires-soviet-air-to-air-missiles-for-ukraine-breaks-cover There is also a clear relationship between Gravehawk and another FrankenSAM the United Kingdom previously supplied to Ukraine that uses the AIM-132 Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) as its interceptor and that was mounted on a 6×6 Supacat High Mobility Transporter (HMT). Both systems notably appear to use similar, if not identical sensor systems. A side-by-side look at the Gravehawk’s sensor system, at left, and the other British-developed surface-to-air missile system for Ukraine that uses the AIM-132, at right. UK MoD via Forces News / Ukrainian Armed Forces Though not necessarily as mobile as the Supacat-based system, Gravehawk’s containerized nature does still offer considerable flexibility when it comes to positioning and repositioning it. It also has the benefit of being less obvious as a valuable air defense system while on the move than other types in Ukrainian service.
alejandro_ Posted February 13 Posted February 13 17 hours ago, mandeb48 said: 2_ Little is seen of the Pión 2S7 compared to years ago in russia side, wear on the barrels, lack of ammunition or simple media disinterest? There were not that many before the war. They were in storage before 2014 and brought into service soon after that, but numbers were low. A unit in Kaliningrad was supposed to receive them. 2S7M Malka was upgraded with modern FCS and data link (see below).
Roman Alymov Posted February 13 Posted February 13 (edited) 2 hours ago, Stuart Galbraith said: ASRAAM is, in terms of development, over 50 years old. Sidewinder is something like 70 years old. Your point being? If it works, it works. First, as i'm sure you understand, we are talking about production year, not "development" (othervice, any bullet fired by AK is from 1943). Second, "If it works, it works" approach is not working here: even fresh from factory peace of complex mechanics and electronics (like A-to-A missiles from 1980th were) got certain percent of failure (failure to initiate, failure to lock on target, failure to ignite the solid fuel and so on). With every year of storage (especially if storage conditions are not perfect) this percent of failure is growing. More over, solid fuel got specific problems with cracks etc. created by long storage and resulting in effects like this Tochka-U of UkrArmy detonation on launch https://www.youtube.com/watch/?v=g6MR7fviF0Q No doubt, SOME of Soviet-legacy R-73 Air to Air missiles will work (as USSR-made weapons were of excelent quality), but others will fall somewhere (like UkrArmy AD S-300 missiles were falling on residential areas from time to time, creating Western propaganda myth of "Russians short of missiles, firing S-300 on ground targets") or even detonate at launch. Will see. Edited February 13 by Roman Alymov
Yama Posted February 13 Posted February 13 Ukraine does have some capability to produce new missiles, no? Surely these launchers can also use never ordnance.
Stuart Galbraith Posted February 13 Posted February 13 Yeah, I think Roman believes that the only thing the Ukrainians possessed is what Moscow bequeathed them. As said, a very similar system was firing Asraam. I suspect its not beyond the realms of possiblity to retrofit them on this too. After all, they managed to retrofit other western weapons on soviet air defence systems. I would guess it comes down to what the customer wants.
alejandro_ Posted February 13 Posted February 13 Use of Tunguska in Ukraine https://iz.ru/1838297/dmitrii-astrahan/ognennaa-reka-kak-zenitnye-kompleksy-tunguska-borutsa-s-bpla-protivnika
seahawk Posted February 13 Posted February 13 16 hours ago, Roman Alymov said: The newest "Soviet-legacy missile" is 34 years old now. Stand ready for claims "Russians are firing R-73 missiles at appartment blocks" Read carefully. It does not say "only capable" but "capable".
Roman Alymov Posted February 13 Posted February 13 52 minutes ago, seahawk said: Read carefully. It does not say "only capable" but "capable". Have i said "only capable"? My topic was specifically about old Soviet missiles, no idea what other missiles they could use.
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