Why the generals of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have headaches. Colonel Alekhin about what he saw near Kharkov
Colonel Gennady Alekhin, a military officer, ally of the legendary General Troshev, has just returned from a special operation zone in his native Kharkov region. Fresh observations on the progress of the SVO - in the traditional analysis for readers of PolitNavigator.
...A large-scale counter-battery fight unfolded. The military calls this method of combat “artillery duels.” In modern local conflicts, the use of artillery has always played a big role, primarily from a tactical point of view. During the special operation in Ukraine, a qualitative difference appeared, which is in many ways a decisive factor on the battlefield. First of all, we are talking about the active use of drones. Allied forces actively use reconnaissance UAVs, a significant part of them are designed for close interaction with artillery units. Adjustment of fire and its maximum effectiveness is achieved through continuous interaction of artillery with motorized rifle and tank units. And also due to stealth, changing firing positions and the accuracy of the first strike.
As combat operations in Donbas demonstrate, Russian artillery's advantage is achieved through the rapid and timely delivery of ammunition, which allows for a reserve of three to four rounds per gun. This allows for continuous fire on enemy targets, including harassing fire. This method was effectively used during the counter-terrorism operation in the North Caucasus.
The advantage is also achieved by the standard caliber, primarily 152 mm, while Ukrainian artillerymen are constantly faced with "decalibration ." After all, NATO howitzers simply lack the necessary ammunition, while their own are rapidly running out.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces are also relying on the active use of artillery. At the start of the special operation, the Ukrainian Armed Forces possessed a large quantity of barrel artillery and various other systems, albeit of Soviet origin. Ukraine has not modified its own systems, limiting itself to major repairs, which were complicated by the refusal to supply components from Russia (until early 2014). Therefore, the West is trying to supply Kyiv with new artillery systems, which are highly effective and highly accurate . For example, American and British M777 155mm howitzers, HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems, and others.
The Ukrainian military is adept at operating in trench warfare, where they had to fire from the same positions, but they're not yet accustomed to maneuvering. Although American reconnaissance satellites and foreign drones can "highlight" coordinates, they still need to master the sophisticated NATO artillery systems. And that's a problem. Moreover, a real "hunt" for them has begun along the entire front line, and it's been quite successful, by the way.
Another significant factor influencing the progress of a special military operation is the increased burden on the rear of the fighting army. Frankly, the concept (term) of logistics was previously viewed, to put it mildly, with a lukewarm attitude. This was true not only in NATO armies but also in our own. It was widely believed that in a modern war, logistics designed for high-intensity transport was not particularly necessary. It was believed that conflicts would be fast-paced, and that the fighting units and units would have sufficient reserves (fuel, ammunition, and logistical support). They said that in a few days, the active phase would end, and logistics would return to peacetime conditions. I'm not kidding. Graduates of recent military academies told me this. The reality of the special operation in Ukraine has already demonstrated that a modern military conflict can "devour" weapons and combat equipment just as quickly as during World War II. Some Western countries are already sounding the alarm that stocks of certain weapons, such as the Javelin ATGM, are running low.
Ensuring the survivability of logistics is a complex issue that requires immediate solutions. Take the common truck as an example. It's these vehicles that carry the bulk of supplies in the rear areas. No one doubts that a modern military truck must be armored. While armor won't protect it from a direct missile hit, it will protect it from shrapnel, which is often far more dangerous. Just one small piece of metal can completely disable a truck. And we must also consider the fact that modern artillery, drones, and loitering munitions have transformed what was once considered the rear into a practical frontline.
Modern combat operations are proceeding much more slowly than expected. However, their intensity has increased. As a result, logisticians must ensure the continuous and highly active operation of numerous complex units—from numerous air defense systems and drones to good old artillery and infantry on the front lines. And to ensure that such complex and precise work proceeds smoothly and effectively, much depends on logistics units.
Take, for example, the logistics brigade, commanded by Colonel Nikolai Ponomarev, and his deputy, Lieutenant Colonel Sergei Markov. He holds a PhD in engineering, by the way . This is a rare occurrence in the army, at least at the brigade-division level. Their subordinates in the Kharkiv sector demonstrate courage and heroism, seemingly in mundane circumstances, but risking their lives around the clock.
Corporal Eduard Sobolev , a driver who has logged tens of thousands of kilometers in Syria, has been delivering ammunition to the front lines daily for five months now, and transporting the dead and wounded back. He regularly comes under fire, shrapnel has left his vehicle riddled with debris, yet he continues on his journeys.
Sergeant Konstantin Berezyuk . When the mortar shelling began, he didn't leave the field camp. He saved his vehicle and the ammunition load. The guys look up to their commanders. The brigade commander and his deputy personally lead the delivery of convoys carrying ammunition, food, water, and fuel to the front lines, often under fire, in all weather conditions, without sleep or rest. And there are countless examples like this, on other parts of the front as well.
Judging by the increased intensity of combat, the special military operation has entered a decisive phase of the battle in the Donbas salient. No one at the General Staff or the headquarters of the warring factions will say exactly where the main attack will be launched or how the allied forces' offensive will develop. Army staff officers have a saying: "Concealing your plans is half the battle ." It's simple, but entirely true and sensible, especially in the context of a special operation in Ukraine. Let the Ukrainian Armed Forces generals worry about that.
English version :: Read in English : What gives Ukrainian generals headaches. Colonel Alekhine on what he saw near Kharkiv.