BIZZARE RUSSIAN TACTICS

In the lead up to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, President Zelensky called upon NATO to supply Ukrainian forces with much-needed arms.

In response and expecting a heavy spearhead of Russian armour to lead the assault against Ukraine, NATO nations have supplied a wide variety of anti-tank arms and troops to train Ukrainian soldiers.

Ukraine is having tremendous success immobilising Russian armoured vehicles as a result, something which has baffled experts. But why? Because Russian tanks are fighting without the protection of infantry.

And this style of tank warfare has not been seen since before World War II.

THE TANK DOCTRINE

Tanks without infantry support are simply targets for hidden troops with anti-tank arms. To prevent this, what is known as the “tank doctrine” was developed during World War II. 

The tank doctrine states that supporting infantry must fan out, search and screen for enemy troops and kill the attackers, or provide covering or suppressive fire for the armoured vehicles – until they can get to a safe firing position. While also allowing for radio operators to relay the position of enemy anti-tank arms to the tank crew. 

The below video (one of many) shows a single Russian tank without infantry support being ambushed by Ukrainian forces.  

Destruction of Russian Forces tank after multiple hits by ATGM in Mariupol.
Video from AZOV drone. pic.twitter.com/9B1MCxHEFX

— Aldin 🇧🇦 (@tinso_ww) March 16, 2022

In other words, the Russians are not playing by the traditional playbook. This is baffling experts and Russian forces are suffering tremendous losses as a result. But why might Russia be acting like this?

One theory is that Russian tanks rely on “Explosive Reactive Armour” to block incoming missile rounds. ERA are blocks of explosives placed around the tank that explode after contact with incoming ordnance – negating their effect.  

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

As of the 7th of March the United States and its allies have delivered over $350 million worth of military aid to Ukraine, the majority of which is anti-tank systems, according to Defense News. 

But the majority of Ukrainian firepower now comes from the American made FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile system, which boasts top-attack and direct fire modes. Incredibly effective, the Javelin has a range of up to 4.5 kilometres. 

For reference, a top-down attack is when a missile flies towards a target, flies up and then comes down to impact from above where tank armour is weakest.

Lightweight and versatile, a complete Javelin system costs around $180,000 USD. Compared with its ability to destroy a $30m USD tank the cost-benefit advantage becomes clear.

The Javelin system is equipped with separate thermal imaging sights that can be used as locking devices and is capable of bringing down slow and low flying helicopters. The sighting system can take a picture of the target and upon firing update its camera vision to track the captured image until missile impact. 

NLAW

The NLAW is a simpler version of the Javelin system and requires no separate targeting unit. Co-developed by British and Swedish defence contractors the U.K. Government sent 2000 NLAWS to Ukraine in January 2022, before the conflict. 

The NLAW uses a line of sight guidance system, meaning the user has to maintain a bead on the target for 2-3 seconds after firing. It also has a direct and top-down fire mode and unlike the Javelin has a ‘soft fire’ mode, which allows it to be fired from inside buildings.  

After launch, the missile flies autonomously to the target. With a shorter range than the Javelin at 1000m, it is also considerably cheaper with the full system costing just $40,000 USD.

THE STUGNA-P

The Stugna-P is a homegrown Ukrainian anti-tank system that is proving to be almost as deadly as the U.S. Javelin system. But perhaps more importantly for Ukraine – it is far cheaper. Manufactured by Ukroboronprom one Stugna-P reportedly costs just $20,000 USD.  

The Stugna-P is laser-guided requiring a line of sight to the target until impact with added top-down attack mode. What is impressive is Stugna-P’s range for such a compact, cheap missile; 5.6 kilometres. 

Whether the Stugna-P is as accurate as the Javelin or NLAW anti-tank systems is difficult to surmise. But they are cheap and plentiful and Ukrainian troops have the most experience using them. 

But most importantly is the Stugna-P clearly works and Ukraine has a logistics chain and training regime that keeps them coming, helping to keep Russian armour at bay.