Ukrainian brigade's drone strikes eliminate five Russian Howitzers

A video has surfaced showing the efforts of the 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Army. In just one day, they managed to eliminate five Russian D-30 howitzers. What is this weapon?

The D-30 howitzer (also known as 2A18) was developed in the USSR in the 1950s and began entering service in 1960. Initially deployed in the USSR, it has spread to many other Asian, Eastern European, and African countries. The weapon's success is evidenced by its continued production. Notably, both sides of the ongoing war in Ukraine use it.

In the video posted on social media, soldiers of the 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Army can be seen attacking Russian positions with the help of drones.

This tactic is very commonly used during the war in Ukraine. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) strike armored vehicles and unarmored targets like the relatively small, towed D-30 howitzer. The howitzer weighs just over 3 tons (approximately 6,600 pounds) and is typically towed by a truck, transporting ammunition and the complete crew.

In addition to its simple design, the D-30 howitzer has other advantages. It can be air-dropped using special parachute platforms and has been adapted to fire various types of 122 mm caliber ammunition. This versatility is especially important in a prolonged conflict like the one currently taking place in Ukraine. The howitzer range depends on the type of ammunition used, such as high-explosive and fragmentation-high-explosive shells.

The D-30 howitzer can strike targets up to 9 miles away with standard ammunition. Rocket-assisted projectiles significantly increase the range, allowing it to reach up to 13 miles. At short distances (up to about 930 yards), the D-30 howitzer can also be used as an anti-tank gun. It takes about 2 minutes to prepare the howitzer for firing, and a crew of seven is required to operate it.