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During the Ukraine War, the Smerch rocket launchers were used by Russian-backed separatist forces and by Russian military units as well. The Smerch rockets were employed in various offensives and counteroffensives, particularly in the Donbass region, targeting Ukrainian military positions and infrastructure.

Smerch system allowed the Russians to strike targets deep inside Ukrainian territory, including military bases, supply depots, and infrastructure critical to the Ukrainian military.

Characteristics of Smerch Weapon System

The BM-30 Smerch (also known as the 9K58 Smerch) is a Russian multiple rocket launcher system designed to deliver devastating firepower over a large area. Here are some key characteristics of the Smerch weapon system:

Range: The Smerch has an impressive maximum range of up to 90 kilometers (56 miles)which allows it to strike targets deep inside enemy territory.

Payload: The Smerch launcher carries 12 300mm rockets, each equipped with a high-explosive warhead. The rockets are unguided and rely on their sheer firepower and large blast radius to inflict damage on the target area.

Accuracy: Despite being unguided rockets, the Smerch system is known for its relatively high accuracy incorporating advanced targeting and fire control systems such as a satellite-based navigation system and a self-contained fire control system.

Firing Rate: The Smerch launcher is capable of a rapid-fire salvo, with all 12 rockets being launched in just 38 seconds. This allows for concentrated and overwhelming firepower within a short period.

Versatility: The Smerch launcher is mounted on a heavy-duty 8×8 truck chassis, providing mobility and ease of transport. It can quickly be deployed and relocated, enhancing its operational flexibility on the battlefield.

Destructive Power: Each rocket carries a large high-explosive warhead, capable of creating significant damage to infrastructure and causing casualties over a wide area.

Saturation Effect: The Smerch system’s ability to fire multiple rockets simultaneously creates a saturation effect on the target area, overwhelming enemy defenses and causing panic and disruption.

Reload Capability: The Smerch launcher is equipped with an automated reloading system that allows it to be reloaded within a relatively short time, enhancing its sustained firepower.

Overall, the Smerch multiple rocket launcher system combines long-range capability, high accuracy, and a large payload to deliver a powerful and destructive impact on the battlefield. Its ability to strike targets at a distance and saturate an area with rockets has made it a significant weapon system in the Ukraine War.

Fighter Aircraft

One of the Russian weapon systems in the air that has made a significant impact In the Ukraine War is the Sukhoi Su-25 ground-attack aircraft, also known by its NATO reporting name “Frogfoot.” The Su-25 is a dedicated close air support aircraft designed to provide direct air support to ground forces.

Here are some characteristics of the Su-25 and its impact in the Ukraine War:

Close Air Support Capability: The Su-25 is twin-engine, twin-tail design, specifically designed for close air support missions, with 30mm twin-barrel cannon, making it highly effective in engaging targets on the ground. It can carry a payload of 8,000 kg of ordnance, it has 10 external hard points that can carry various weapons, including rockets, bombs, and air-to-ground missiles, enabling it to engage a wide range of targets, such as armored vehicles, fortified positions, and enemy formations.

Durability and Survivability: The Su-25 is known for its rugged construction and high survivability. It features an armoured cockpit for the pilot and key systems, along with redundant flight controls and hydraulic systems, allowing it to withstand ground fire and operate in hostile environments.

Operational Range: The Su-25 has a considerable operational range (1000 kms on internal fuel), allowing it to cover large areas and provide close air support wherever needed.

Maneuverability and Low-Flying Capabilities: The Su-25 possesses excellent maneuverability, enabling it to operate effectively in the challenging and dynamic battlefield environments. It can fly at low altitudes, up to altitude of 7,000 meters at max 950 km/h, which helps it evade enemy air defenses and deliver accurate strikes on ground targets.

Target Acquisition and Navigation Systems: The Su-25 is equipped with sophisticated target acquisition and navigation systems, including forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensors and electronic countermeasures. These systems enhance its ability to locate and engage targets accurately, even in adverse weather conditions or at night.

Psychological Impact: The presence of Su-25 aircraft in the Ukraine War had a significant psychological impact on the opposing forces. The aircraft’s distinctive appearance and sound, coupled with its ability to deliver precise and powerful airstrikes, contributed to a sense of fear and vulnerability among enemy troops.

Air Defense System

One of the Russian air defense systems that has made a significant impact is the Buk-M2 (NATO reporting name: SA-17 Grizzly) medium-range surface-to-air missile system. The Buk-M2 is a highly capable air defense system designed to engage a wide range of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles.

Here are some key characteristics of the Buk-M2 and its impact in the Ukraine War:

Range and Altitude Coverage: The Buk-M2 system has a maximum engagement range of up to 45 kilometers (28 miles) and can engage targets at altitudes of up to 25 kilometers (15.5 miles).

Multiple Target Engagement: The Buk-M2 is capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously, thanks to its radar-guided missiles and advanced command and control system. It can track and engage several threats simultaneously, enhancing its effectiveness in defending against coordinated aerial attacks.

Anti-Aircraft Missiles: The Buk-M2 employs 9M317 missiles, which are surface-to-air missiles designed for medium-range engagements. These missiles have high maneuverability, radar guidance, and explosive warheads, making them highly effective against different types of aerial targets.

Mobility and Transportability: The Buk-M2 system is mounted on a tracked vehicle, providing excellent mobility and maneuverability.

Integration with Command and Control Systems: The Buk-M2 system is integrated into a larger air defense network, allowing it to receive target information from various radar sources and command and control centers.

Psychological Impact: The presence of the Buk-M2 system, along with other advanced air defense systems, created a significant deterrent and defensive advantage for the Russian-backed forces in the Ukraine War.

The Buk-M2 air defense system played a notable role in the Ukraine War, particularly during the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in 2014, where it was alleged to have been used. Its capabilities as a medium-range air defense system contributed to the overall air defense strategy of the Russian-backed forces, influencing the operational dynamics and limiting the effectiveness of Ukrainian air operations in the conflict.

Main Battle Tank

Several Russian tanks have been used in the Ukraine War. However, one tank that has been prominently used and had a significant impact is the T-72B3.

The T-72B3 is a modernized version of the T-72 main battle tank, which incorporates various upgrades to enhance its combat capabilities, including improved armor protection, upgraded fire control systems, and modernized communication equipment. Some characteristics and impacts of the T-72B3 in the Ukraine War include:

Firepower: The T-72B3 is armed with a 125mm smoothbore gun, capable of firing various types of ammunition, including armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds.

Armor Protection: The T-72B3 features improved composite and reactive armor, enhancing its protection against enemy projectiles.

Mobility: The tank is equipped with a powerful engine that allows it to achieve high speeds and maneuverability on various terrains.

It is worth noting that other Russian tanks, such as the older T-64, T-80, and even the more modern T-90, have also been observed in the conflict. However, the T-72B3 is widely considered one of the primary tank models used by Russian-backed forces in the Ukraine War and has demonstrated significant impact in battles, contributing to the Russian-backed forces’ ground superiority and the challenges faced by the Ukrainian military.

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Currently, the Bahrain armed forces have a total of 180 American-made M60A3. In 2017, the Italian company Leonardo has proposed an upgrade of the M60A3 used by the Bahrain army fitted with a new 120 mm main gun, a new state-of-the-art fire control system as well as a new armor package.

The Arjun Mk II is an enhanced variant of the first version of the Arjun MBT (Main Battle Tank). It was unveiled for the first time to the public during a military parade for the National Day in New Delhi on 26 January 2014.

The main armament of the Arjun Mk II main battle tank consists of a 120mm rifled gun fitted with a thermal sleeve, fume extractor, and a muzzle reference system. The gun is able to fire a full range of ammunitions including FSAPDS (Fin Stabilized Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot), HESH (High-Explosive Squash Head), PCB, TB, and the Israeli Laser Homing Anti-Tank (LAHAT) missile. Laser Homing Attack Missile, or LAHAT, is an advanced missile developed and manufactured by the MBT Division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

In terms of protection, the hull and the turret of the Arjun Mk II have a new design and are fitted with new ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) protection which seems to be designed based on Russian Kontakt-5 technology which is mounted on the T-90 and some other Russian main battle tanks.

The design of the Arjun Mk II is conventional with the driver at the front of the hull, turret in the middle with gunner, commander and loader, and engine compartment at the rear. The tank is motorized with a German 10 cylinder, V-90 turbocharged, charge-cooled, water-cooled diesel engine developing 1030 kW at 2,400 rpm. It can run at a maximum road speed of 58 km/h and 40 km/h in cross country with a maximum cruising range of 500 km.

The Arjun Mk-II is also equipped with the latest generation of optics and firing control system including advanced thermal imaging and panoramic sights offering hunter-killer capability. The gunner sight is fitted with an automatic target tracker which greatly enhances the speed and accurate target engagement capability of the tank. To increase the self-protection of the Arjun Mk-II, a laser warning and countermeasure system (ALWACS) developed in collaboration with the Israeli Company Elbit Systems is mounted on each side of the turret.

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“In the context of a recently held Russian-Indian intergovernmental commission on military-technical cooperation and Russian-Indian summit, Indian counterparts were offered new directions of cooperation, including the development of armored fighting vehicles based on the Armata platform and on customers’ technical inquiries,” Reshetnikova said in an interview.

Earlier in 2021,the Indian Army submitted a Request for Information (RFI) to acquire 1,770 Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) by 2030. In the coming decades, the FRCV could replace the Russian-made T-90 Bhishma and T-72 Ajeya as India’s main battle tanks.

According to the RFI, the proposed FCRV would have “state-of-the-art”, “technology-enabled”, and “high mobility” qualities, as well as the capacity to operate in a variety of terrains, including high altitude zones, plains, riverine borders, and deserts.

Earlier in 2021, India had also shown interest in the Russian Sprut-SDM1 lightweight tank. Russia had reportedly put the tank to a test to see if it could survive overload during aerial deployment. India is reported to have been granted access to the testing because of its interest in the Russian tank, as previously reported by the EurAsian Times.

India seeks to counter the Chinese Type 15 light tank along the disputed border with the Russian lightweight tanks. In fact, earlier this month, Russian media had reported that with the Sprut-SDM1 light amphibious tank, Rosoboronexport will participate in India’s tender for light tanks, offering knowledge transfer and, most likely, the establishment of local manufacturing of separate parts and assemblies.

Similar offers could also be made for the battle tank that India has been earnestly seeking. If any such deal goes through, India will induct yet another Russian tank into its fleet. As of now, the Russian T-72 and T-90 are the main battle tanks in its arsenal.

The T-72s and T-90s are massive armored vehicles that were purchased to counter the threat posed by Pakistan on India’s Western border. Both, the T-72 Ajay and T-90 Bhishma were also deployed in Ladakh last year after the border conflict escalated with the Chinese PLA.

Russia has now offered to build a tank based on the lethal T-14 Armata for the Indian military. Uralvagonzavod, a Russian corporation, built the T-14 Armata, a new-generation main battle tank (MBT)). In May 2015, it was unveiled for the first time at the Moscow Victory Day Parade.

The new combat vehicle features digitalized technology, an unmanned turret, and a crew-only armored capsule.

The T-14 Armata is built on a modular combat platform that may also be used to build additional armored vehicles including large infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and armored personnel carriers (APC).

A 125mm 2A82-1M smoothbore cannon is mounted in an unmanned turret on the T-14 Armata, which is fed by an automatic loader. There are 45 rounds of ammo in the turret, including ready-to-use ammunition. Laser-guided missiles can be fired from the main gun as well.

This next-generation battle tank is equipped with the Active Protection System (APS), which can intercept and destroy incoming missiles and defend against all sorts of anti-tank missiles.

The tank is expected to provide protection up to STANAG 4569 Level 5 standards. It has reactive armor in the front and bar armor in the back to provide additional protection against anti-tank rocket-propelled grenades (ATRPGs). Additional active and passive armor can be hooked onto the tank.

The crew’s survivability is further enhanced by the tank’s nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection, automatic fire suppression system, and smoke grenade dischargers.

In 2022, Russia expects to begin serial production of the T-14 Armata tank. Its crew can remain isolated from the fuel section and ammunition because its combat module is unmanned and totally remote-controlled. It is equipped with a 125-mm smoothbore cannon and a 7.62-mm machine gun.

Does Armata Suit India’s Needs?
India has accelerated the process of acquiring weapon systems to deal with the dual-threat on its northern and western borders.

Armata’s suitability for high-altitude combat makes it unique to India. The T-14 can operate in temperatures as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit, according to a previous analysis carried by the EurAsian Times.

The Russians know how to share their technology, and it’s worked quite well for India thus far. In the latest India-Russia summit, India had signed a deal for AK-203 rifles with Russia. It also remains in the process of acquiring the Russian S-400 defense systems.

There are, however, grounds for caution. While India continues to get the majority of Russian weaponry exports (23 percent), arch-rival China comes in second with 18 percent. The military relationship between Russia and China is only set to see an upward trajectory in the future.

Nevertheless, a potential deal for the next-generation Russian tanks would be a much-needed booster for India’s combat capability.

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The defence ministry placed the order, on 23 September, for the 118 Arjun Mk-1A main battle tanks (MBT), for the Indian Army at a cost of Rs 7,523 crore. Mk-1A is a new variant of Arjun tank, infused with 72 new features, with the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), Avadi, Chennai.

The new variant is designed to enhance fire power, mobility and survivability, infused with 72 new features and more indigenous content from the Mk-1 variant. The ministry said the tanks would ensure effortless mobility in all terrains, besides precise target engagement during day and night.

It has been designed and developed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) by incorporating numerous upgrades on Arjun MBT, the in-service main battle tank with the Indian Army.

It said the production order to Heavy Vehicles Factory will open up a large avenue in defence manufacturing for over 200 Indian vendors including MSMEs, with employment opportunities to around 8,000 people.

It said the MBT Arjun Mk-1A has been designed and developed by Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), along with other laboratories of DRDO within two years (2010-12).

“Extensive trial evaluation was conducted in various phases covering 7000 plus kms (both in DRDO and user trials) of automotive and substantial firing of various ammunition during 2012-2015,” it said.

The army already operates 124 Arjun Mark 1 MBTs. It has stoutly resisted ordering more, arguing that the 62.5-tonne tank was too heavy to be transported over bridges and culverts near the border.

Eventually, in a tank-versus-tank face-off in the Rajasthan desert in March 2010, one squadron (14 tanks) of Arjuns was pitted against an equal number of Russian T-90 tanks, which the army wants to buy more of. Top army generals who witnessed the trial admitted the Arjun performed superbly. Whether driving cross-country over rugged sand dunes; or accurately hitting targets with its powerful main gun; the Arjun matched and outdid the T-90.

Yet, the army refused to order more Arjuns, beyond the 124 already in service. At a meeting of the MoD-led Arjun Steering Committee in 2010, the army demanded 72 capability enhancements to improve the Arjun Mark 1into what would be called the Arjun Mark 2.

Incredibly, given the army’s complaint that the Arjun Mark 1 was too heavy, these 72 enhancements would make it 6 tonnes heavier.

These included the fitment of mine ploughs (1.6 tonnes extra), explosive reactive armour (1.5 tonnes extra), suspension improvements (one tonne extra) and two more tonnes in other areas. The 62.5 tonne Arjun Mark 1 was to be translated into a 68.5 tonne Mark 2.

In June 2012, the DRDO offered the Arjun for trials with all the enhancements, except one: a cannon-launched guided missile (CLGM) that the army wanted to fire through the Arjun’s main gun. The Israeli Lahat CLGM that equipped the Arjun could strike targets two-to-five km away. However, the army insisted that the CLGM must strike targets as close as 1.2 km, even though the Arjun’s powerful main gun was adequate to destroy such targets.

By 2015, a series of trials had validated the improvements the army demanded. However, the army dilly-dallied for three years, until March 2018, when it was agreed that the next batch of Arjuns, which would be supplied without missile firing capability. They would be designated Arjun Mark 1A.

After several months of delay, Arjun Mark 1A trials were held in December 2018 and the tank found fit in all respects. The army’s trial team recommended the Arjun Mark 1A be inducted into service. Yet, it has taken almost three more years for an order to be placed.

From the time the indent is placed, it would still take HVF 36 months to start delivering the first Arjun tanks. Since the DRDO is confident it would develop and prove the CLGM by then, the 118 Arjun Mark 1A tanks ordered today will actually be delivered as Arjun Mark 2, with full CLGM capability.

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