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Analysis: Evolution of Russian Artillery from its Origins to Innovations During Ukrainian Conflict.
Russian artillery, a central pillar of the country's armed forces, traces its origins back to the 1380s under the reign of Dmitri Donskoy, and this branch of the armed forces is still widely used in the conflict in Ukraine. The first mentions of firearms, used to defend Moscow against Mongol hordes in 1382, mark the beginning of a military tradition. The "tufyaks," rudimentary cannons, paved the way for a gradual specialization, with the formation of the first "pouchkars," Russian gunners.
Russian artillery is a central pillar of the country's armed forces. (Picture source: Rostec)
During the reign of Ivan III in the 15th century, Moscow became a hub of military innovation, welcoming foreign engineers like Aristotele Fioravanti, who initiated the development of Russian artillery. Under Ivan IV, artillery gained recognition as an independent arm of the military. At the siege of Kazan in 1552, the Russian army deployed over 150 heavy-caliber cannons, a testament to the rising prominence of this military branch. However, the lack of standardized calibers and designs hindered further progress.
With Peter the Great at the helm in the early 18th century, Russian artillery underwent a technological leap. A military enthusiast and science aficionado, Peter I introduced the army's first incendiary rockets in 1717. Shortly after, the creation of the renowned "Unicorn" artillery piece, a smoothbore gun with enhanced capabilities, cemented the reputation of Russian gunners across Europe. The 19th century saw the formation of the first artillery brigades and regiments. This era also witnessed the emergence of mortars and tactics for firing from concealed positions, particularly during the Russo-Japanese War.
World War II marked a pivotal moment for Russian artillery, which played a decisive role in battles like Stalingrad. The advent of rocket artillery with the iconic "Katyusha" rocket launchers was a turning point. Deployed from the early years of the conflict, these weapons unleashed devastating saturation firepower, becoming a symbol of Soviet military effectiveness.
Post-war developments saw the evolution of reactive systems with the "Grad," "Uragan," and "Smerch" series, which refined the concept of multiple rocket launchers. Modern systems like the "Tornado-S," equipped with 300mm guided munitions, illustrate Russia's commitment to integrating precision and versatility into artillery operations. Meanwhile, ballistic systems such as the "Iskander-M," capable of striking deep strategic targets, highlight the continued importance of missile forces in contemporary conflicts.
In self-propelled guns, Russia has modernized proven models like the "Msta-SM," which features multi-round salvo capabilities for saturating target zones. Recent advancements include the "Koalitsiya-SV," a highly automated self-propelled artillery system that surpasses global counterparts in range and accuracy. New developments also focus on mobile systems, such as the "Malva" (152mm), "Flox" (120mm), and the self-propelled mortar "Drok" (82mm). These innovations address the demands of modern warfare: mobility, protection, and interoperability with automated command systems.
In recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, artillery and missile forces have played a decisive role. Employed from the early stages of the conflict, these weapons continue to demonstrate their effectiveness in supporting ground forces and neutralizing enemy positions. As in centuries past, artillery remains a crucial tool for battlefield dominance, combining firepower and technological innovation to meet the challenges of modern conflicts, a fact true for both Russian and Ukrainian forces.
This evolution underscores Russian artillery's historical depth and ongoing development, transforming from a rudimentary defensive tool into a key element of modern military strategy.