Ukrainian AS-90 Crew Survives Six Russian Attacks

Amid the protracted conflict between Russia and Ukraine, a particular episode involving a Ukrainian AS-90 self-propelled howitzer highlights both the peril and resilience faced by artillery units. The AS-90, a 50-ton British-made vehicle, recently became a focal point of intense Russian aggression along the extensive 700-mile front line. This entrenched artillery piece, manned by a five-member crew, endured a series of assaults that underline the critical role of defensive positioning in contemporary warfare.

The series of attacks began when a Russian drone identified the AS-90’s location, nestled within a treeline, a position likely within 15 miles of the front lines—well within the effective range of its 155-millimeter gun. This initial detection led to a relentless barrage by Russian forces, who first targeted the vehicle with artillery fire. Despite this, the AS-90’s fortifications and camouflage allowed it to withstand the initial bombardment. The Russians then escalated their assault by deploying first-person-view drones, which carried explosive charges intended to breach the howitzer’s defenses.

The drone footage released by the Russians captures the intensity of the engagement, revealing multiple strikes on the AS-90. The vehicle, though heavily damaged, managed to remain largely intact throughout the ordeal. The sequence of attacks continued with further artillery fire and a Lancet strike drone, which added to the vehicle’s damage but did not cause an explosive detonation. This sequence of attacks, characterized by repeated and varied assault methods, illustrates the significant challenges faced by artillery crews in maintaining operational effectiveness under such conditions.

The survival of the AS-90 crew highlights the effectiveness of well-designed artillery fortifications. In the context of the ongoing conflict, where the durability of artillery pieces often determines the outcome of engagements, the ability to withstand repeated assaults is a testament to the strategic importance of defensive measures. The crew’s survival, facilitated by the vehicle’s resilience and the fortifications around it, underscores a broader trend in the conflict: the critical role of adapting defensive strategies to counter evolving threats.

Artillery warfare has increasingly become a battle of endurance and adaptation. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have had to develop and refine their tactics to cope with the evolving threat landscape, particularly the omnipresence of drone surveillance. As a result, artillery crews now employ a variety of defensive measures, including camouflaging their positions with branches, netting, and anti-drone screens. This approach aims to minimize visibility and reduce the likelihood of being targeted by drones.

The alternative tactic, known as “shoot and scoot,” involves artillery units rapidly changing positions after firing to avoid detection and counter-battery fire. This method was once considered effective but has become less practical in an era of constant drone monitoring. The challenges posed by modern surveillance technology have made it increasingly difficult for mobile tactics to succeed without significant risk. Analysts argue that the ability to remain concealed and endure enemy bombardments is now a more viable strategy for surviving prolonged engagements.

Andrew Perpetua, an analyst specializing in vehicle losses in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, has voiced skepticism about the effectiveness of the shoot-and-scoot strategy. He highlights the case of Ukrainian PzH 2000 howitzers, which, despite their design for high mobility, often remain in fortified and camouflaged positions. Perpetua contends that the survival of these howitzers is largely attributable to their static defensive tactics rather than the more mobile shoot-and-scoot approach.

In conclusion, the episode involving the Ukrainian AS-90 underscores the evolving nature of artillery warfare. The crew’s ability to survive multiple attacks reflects both their luck and the importance of robust defensive measures. As the conflict progresses, the balance between mobile and stationary tactics will continue to shape the effectiveness of artillery units, emphasizing the need for adaptability in the face of modern threats.