Ukrainian drones devastate Russian artillery in Donetsk region

A video has surfaced on social media featuring the work of one of the Ukrainian battalions. Using FPV assault drones, they carried out up to 10 successful attacks on Russian equipment. We break down what the invaders lost.

The video highlights the losses inflicted on the Russian forces by a battalion from the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Army, which is holding the front in the Donetsk region. The FPV assault drone operators managed to hit eight Russian D-20 howitzers, an Msta-B howitzer, and a 2B9 Vasilek automatic mortar.

The use of these drones by Ukrainians is not surprising. The ongoing conflict in their territory is often referred to as a "drone war" since both sides employ various types of unmanned aerial vehicles extensively. FPV (first-person view) drones are unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with a camera that provides the pilot with a real-time live view until the moment of impact.

These are usually small, inexpensive commercial drones slightly modified for military purposes. They can be equipped with explosive charges or grenades. In the former case, they become kamikaze weapons, while in the latter, they are used to drop grenades on enemy equipment from above.

The D-20 howitzers are very old, having been developed back in the 1940s. They use 152mm caliber projectiles that can strike targets at distances between 11-15 miles, depending on the type of ammunition, with a firing rate of up to six rounds per minute. Each of these howitzers weighs 12,300 pounds and is 28.5 feet long in the marching position. Operation requires a crew of 8-10 soldiers.

From the Ukrainian perspective, the problem is that 152mm caliber projectiles can be readily used, which the Russians receive as support from North Korea. Although the supplied ammunition sometimes fails, the Russians can afford more frequent attacks.

The Msta-B howitzers also use the 152mm caliber gun but can handle a wider variety of projectiles. This is much newer equipment, introduced into service in 1987, but it is also towed and not self-propelled. It weighs just under 15,400 pounds and measures over 39 feet in length.

The 2B9 Vasilek is different. It's an automatic mortar, similar to the D-20 howitzer in that it dates back to the times of the USSR, but it is somewhat newer, having been developed in the 1970s. For this weapon, the Russians utilize 82mm caliber projectiles with a range of up to about 2.5 miles. Its firing rate is several dozen rounds per minute.