Ancient Roman tricks in modern warfare: Ukraine revives caltrop against Russia
The war in Ukraine has repeatedly illustrated that despite significant advancements in military technology, the most simple solutions often prove to be the best. This is emphatically demonstrated by the Ukrainians' adoption of an ancient Roman invention in their conflict against the Russian forces. This invention, known as the "caltrop," showcases the enduring efficacy of basic military tools.
6:31 PM EDT, April 15, 2024
More than two years have passed since the escalation of the war in Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Over this period, the frequent use of technologies and tactics far removed from modernity has been observed on the battlefield.
A prime example of this is the Russian use of outdated tanks that hail from the USSR era.
Recently, the media has highlighted the Ukrainian military's adoption of weaponry that reaches further into history. This references the "caltrops," devices modeled after those used in ancient Rome, now deployed via drones. This strategy exemplifies the seamless integration of modern technology with millennia-proven methods of warfare.
Age-old Roman tactics still effective on the modern battlefield
Ukrainian drones are now scattering a four-pronged, metal weapon across roads, ingeniously designed so that one end always points upwards regardless of how it lands. The term caltrop derives from the Latin word meaning "heel catcher." These spiked obstacles can be traced back to at least 313 BC when Alexander the Great's army used them to thwart Persian cavalry, as reported by Forbes magazine.
Since the onset of the conflict, the military has utilized large, sharp anchors that required manual placement. The current method is far simpler and more efficient; drones facilitate the distribution of caltrops more widely and with greater precision.
The strategy of deploying caltrops via drones is poised to inspire numerous innovative tactics. Drones are already being used to lay mines, place ground sensors, and even deploy small robots. The potential applications are limited only by the users' creativity, Forbes concludes.
