Artillery plays a key role in the Russian-Ukrainian war, accounting for approximately 70% casualties in the conflict. Both sides use this type of weapon intensively, although it Ukraine is struggling with greater ammunition problems and lack of equipment reserves. Despite the lack of reserves, it is western equipment used by Ukrainians is much more advanced than Russian weapons.
Self-propelled artillery, which is slowly starting to give way to towed artillery in the Russian army, is definitely the most effective of the classic artillery variants. Its application significantly reduces losses among service staff and equipment itselfbecause the possibility firing a shot and quickly changing position is crucial to avoid enemy fire response.
This family of weapons includes the self-propelled French howitzer CEASAR. It is known for its effectiveness and precision, which has greatly strengthened the capabilities of the Ukrainian army. It has become a powerful weapon against Russian forces. Russian soldiers often describe it as their worst nightmare.
The effectiveness of the French CEASARs is largely due to reconnaissance drones. Thanks to them integrated into artillery units i constant data transfer artillerymen are basically capable of immediate and extremely precise strikes on enemy troop groups. This gives incredible possibilities for countering the actions of the Russian army and maintaining a local advantage.
Armatohaubica CAESAR to 155 mm self-propelled artillery systemmounted on the Renault Sherpa 5 truck chassis, which ensures very good Mobility on roads and in light terrain. This is a key feature for the tactic called “shoot and run“. According to it, Ukrainian CEASARs are firing six bullets in a minuteafter which in 30 seconds they go into the marching position and they move, to avoid counter-battery fire.
The range of the CAESAR howitzer is another significant advantage, which is shared by most modern NATO gun-howitzers, including the Polish Krab. The French weapon has the ability to hit targets at a distance of 40 km. Thanks to the advanced fire control system, the projectiles hit extremely precise.
Technically a French machine is one of the world’s lightest self-propelled 155 mm guns — weighs only 18 ton. It can fire a variety of NATO-standard projectiles, including BONUSwhich detect armoured targets while falling and independently engage them using the so-called explosively formed penetrator.
France undertook to provide Ukraine 78 CAESAR howitzers, of which 49 units are already operating on the front, and the rest are to reach the Ukrainians until the end of 2024.
Source: geekweek.interia.pl
