Forbes: Russia Unveils New Tactics to Address Shortfall in Artillery Capabilities

On April 25, Forbes reported that Russia is expanding its drone production capacity while beginning tests of ground-based unmanned combat systems.

For years, Russia’s core military doctrine has relied on overwhelming artillery fire to suppress enemy forces, followed by infantry and armored units advancing into position. However, after four years of continuous warfare—and with Ukraine introducing significant battlefield technological innovations—this traditional tactic has been severely undermined in effectiveness.

Russia has now adjusted its operational approach, reducing reliance on conventional artillery and shifting toward large-scale deployment of drones and ground-based unmanned equipment, alongside a comprehensive overhaul of its tactical doctrine.

The Severe Challenges Facing Russian Artillery

During the war, Russian artillery systems have suffered massive losses.

Public data indicates over 1,700 Russian artillery pieces have been destroyed or rendered inoperable; Ukrainian assessments suggest the actual number of destroyed systems has surpassed 34,000. In addition to battlefield attrition, rapid barrel wear remains a long-standing problem. Russia continues to rely heavily on outdated Cold War-era artillery systems, which are overworked and prone to frequent malfunctions.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has precisely identified Russia’s vulnerabilities, focusing firepower on destroying Russian ammunition resupply convoys, thereby continuously cutting off artillery ammunition supply lines.

Transitioning from Traditional Artillery to Drone-Based Strikes

Russia is now aggressively expanding its drone manufacturing infrastructure, mass-producing low-cost FPV drones to compensate for the shortfall in artillery numbers.

The article notes that Russia is emulating Ukraine by developing a decentralized, flexible drone warfare system. At the same time, the Russian military is increasing production of larger attack drones like the "Kub-BLA" (Krasnokutskaya) “Orlan” series, paired with low-cost FPV drones in a tiered operational model, enabling coordinated operations. Recently, official statements from the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that heavy bombing drones have already begun being deployed in tactical operations.

The advantages of drone strikes over traditional artillery are significant:

1. Higher strike precision, achieving mission objectives with far fewer munitions;

2. Faster operational response: reconnaissance drones locate targets, relay drones maintain communication links, and attack drones deliver real-time airstrikes—enabling rapid engagement.

Deployment of Ground-Based Unmanned Equipment in Combat

Russia is currently developing multiple types of ground-based combat robots equipped with explosive devices, serving as autonomous breaching and assault platforms.

These ground-based unmanned systems can operate effectively in environments with intense electronic jamming, dense air defense networks, or where drone use is restricted, thus complementing aerial drone capabilities.

In addition, the Russian military is testing several ground-based robotic fire platforms, including those mounting 82mm “Bakulnik” mortars and other weapon systems. These unmanned platforms can stealthily infiltrate frontline positions, delivering remote or semi-autonomous fire support. Once ammunition is depleted, they can autonomously retreat for resupply and re-deployment. The diversification of unmanned fire support systems has greatly expanded Russia’s striking capabilities, reducing dependence on traditional artillery alone.

Comprehensive Reforms to Tactical Doctrine

Russia is abandoning large-scale, concentrated combat formations in favor of smaller, more dispersed combat units.

This shift reduces the risk of being targeted and destroyed by Ukrainian drones. Small tactical teams can infiltrate combat zones, probe enemy defensive weak points, conduct limited raids, and no longer depend on massive artillery barrages to clear the way. Instead, they achieve tactical objectives through integration of drones, close-range firepower, and hand-to-hand combat capabilities.

Forbes states that whether Russia can quickly bridge its artillery gap—by integrating drones, ground robots, and new tactics into a unified firepower system—will directly determine the future trajectory of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Ukrainian Countermeasures Against Russian Artillery: Core Strategy

The Ukrainian military has pinpointed Russia’s critical vulnerability: targeting Russian artillery ammunition transport convoys. Most Russian ammunition is transported via heavy trucks such as Kamaz and Ural models, following fixed routes with poor mobility. Compared to concealed artillery positions, these resupply vehicles are far easier to detect and destroy. A single precise strike can eliminate large quantities of ammunition and simultaneously disable the combat capability of multiple artillery units.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863489309335561/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author