The war in Ukraine is a training ground. Successful introduction of European weapons

The Americans are the largest arms supplier to Ukraine, but new equipment has so far been supplied by European countries. We offer a unique weapon that is tested at the front.

The Americans are the undisputed leader in providing military equipment for the war with Ukraine, having provided $44.2 billion worth of weapons so far. We’re talking over 2 million artillery shells, hundreds of different types of vehicles, and thousands of anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons.

However, although the number of weapons supplied by Europe is not impressive, their quality and modernity are at a very high level. Initially, the Americans mainly sent equipment, the latest versions of which date from the 1990s. In this way, hundreds of MRAP vehicles, which still remember missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, were disposed of at low cost. Meanwhile, European countries were switching to modern equipment at the start of the war. Of course, any help should not be underestimated, because for the defending Ukrainians, any additional weapons are very valuable.

Ukraine has become a kind of testing ground where European companies, with the permission of governments, test their latest innovations. At the same time – and this should not be surprising – companies try to advertise the donated equipment in the market, showing its effectiveness on the battlefield.

While the Americans sent, among others, the centuries-old ATGMs (Anti-Tank Guided Missiles) FGM-148 to Javelin A/B/C/D of the Block 0 series and FGM-148E of the Block 1 series, the British provided modern NLAW systems, and the French in service. Launched Ageron MP Also notable are the modern German RGW90 anti-tank grenade launchers.

NLAW was introduced into service at the end of 2008. It is a lightweight missile (weighs 12.5 kg) of “launch and eject” anti-tank guided missiles. The weapon strikes targets from above, and its warhead is capable of firing through 500 mm of armored steel. The optimal firing range of the NLAW is 20-800 meters, and the maximum – approximately 1 km. Guidance takes place along a predicted line, but if the target moves, the computer requires the gunner to maintain sight of the target for 2-3 seconds to calculate an appropriate flight path.

The French system has a slightly longer range (5 km compared to 4.75 km) than the latest versions of the American Javelin. The weapon can penetrate over 1m of armor steel. The missile hits targets with a diving plane, which only increases its destructive capabilities.

The SAMP/T is one of the few medium-range systems in the world that can combat the Russian Iskander and Kh-47M2 Kindzhal ballistic missiles. It was introduced into service in 2011. SAMP/T’s big advantage over the aging Patriots is reducing service from 90 to 14 players and fighting off targets from different directions. Even the basic “Arabel” radar with a range of over 100 km provides 360 degree target detection, while the Patriot has a detection field of only 120 degrees (only LTAMDS radars can improve this).

The second system, IRIS-T SLM and SLS, is a short-range solution designed to defend against cruise missiles, the tests of which were completed only in 2014. This complex uses IRIS-T missiles with excellent maneuverability. They are capable of countering even medium-range missiles flying at supersonic speeds. Ukraine received systems with a range of approximately 10 km in the SLS version and increased to 40 km in the SLM variant. Ukrainians say these systems are 100 percent effective. performance.

In terms of portable systems, solutions from Europe counter the L-370 Vitebsk system, which uses a laser to blind incoming missiles, among others, on Russian Ka-52 Alligator helicopters.

Europe is also fielding powerful self-propelled artillery systems. The Krab, German PzH 2000, French Caesar, Slovak Zuzana 2 and Swedish Archer set offer the longest firing range of all other barrel gun systems currently offered. All mentioned vehicles are equipped with 155 mm gun. This translates to a range of up to 30 km when using cheap ammunition, or approximately 60 km when using M982 Excalibur missiles with a rocket booster or guided missiles.

Also, when using experimental Vulcano GLR sub-caliber bullets from the Italian concern Leonardo, the range of accurate fire increases to 70-80 km. However, so far, Ukraine has received few of them – the official volume is 225 pieces. No additional numbers were issued in subsequent deliveries, so the Defenders currently have a large stockpile of these weapons.

Bonus and SMArt 155 missiles have also been delivered to Ukraine, which turn artillery into precision tank destroyers. They have a set of sensors consisting of two small missiles that, after being released in a given area, individually seek and guide enemy tanks or self-propelled gun-howitzers.

Ukraine will become the world’s first user of an artillery complex that resists counter-battery fire. We are talking about the RCH 155 system, which allows you to fire not only after stopping the vehicle, but also while driving.

The mentioned systems are the most interesting examples of weapons supplied to Ukrainians by European companies. However, the countries of the old continent still lack manufacturing capabilities, which have remained underdeveloped for decades and have been reduced due to small orders. Ukraine’s results will help correct this error in a few years.