Exclusive: Russian Forces Implement Advanced Camouflage Techniques for D-30 Howitzers in Ukraine.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has unveiled a new camouflage technique being employed by Russian forces in Ukraine, aimed at enhancing the survivability of their D-30 122mm towed artillery howitzers. According to a video released by the Ministry on August 10, 2024, Russian troops have begun utilizing sophisticated concealment methods that involve a combination of wooden bunkers, earth, and vegetation to effectively shield their artillery from aerial observation and counter-battery fire.
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The video demonstrates how the D-30 artillery is hidden beneath a wooden structure, covered with layers of earth and vegetation. (Picture source: Russian MoD)

The D-30 howitzer, a widely-used Soviet-era artillery piece, has been a critical component of Russian ground forces. However, in the face of increasing threats from advanced surveillance technologies and precision-guided munitions, Russian forces have adapted by constructing heavily camouflaged bunkers. These bunkers are designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment, making detection by observation drones exceedingly difficult.

The D-30 is a Soviet-designed 122mm howitzer that has been widely used since its introduction in the 1960s. Known for its versatility, the D-30 is highly valued for its ability to provide indirect fire support over a range of up to 15.4 kilometers. One of its key features is its mobility; the howitzer can be rapidly towed by a variety of vehicles, and its three-leg stabilizing system allows it to be deployed and fired from almost any terrain within minutes. This mobility, combined with its relatively light weight for an artillery piece, makes the D-30 an effective and adaptable weapon on the battlefield, capable of quickly repositioning to avoid counter-battery fire and to support fast-moving military operations.

The video demonstrates how the D-30 artillery is hidden beneath a wooden structure, covered with layers of earth and vegetation. This setup not only conceals the artillery from enemy surveillance but also provides significant protection against potential strikes. When the artillery piece is ready to fire, two hatches on the bunker open, allowing the howitzer to engage targets. Once the shell is fired, the hatches close rapidly, reducing the time window in which the artillery could be detected and targeted by enemy forces.

When the D-30 howitzer is ready to fire, two hatches on the bunker open, allowing the howitzer to engage targets. (Picture source: Russian MoD)

This innovative approach represents a significant evolution in Russian military tactics in Ukraine, reflecting the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between artillery units and aerial reconnaissance platforms. The deployment of these camouflaged bunkers is likely a response to the growing effectiveness of Ukrainian and allied counter-battery operations, which have increasingly relied on real-time drone surveillance to locate and neutralize Russian artillery positions.

Military analysts have noted that this new camouflage method could pose a substantial challenge for Ukrainian forces, requiring them to develop new strategies for detecting and countering these concealed artillery positions. The success of this tactic will depend on the ability of Russian forces to maintain the secrecy and integrity of these bunkers under combat conditions.

The newly implemented camouflage system for Russian D-30 howitzers in Ukraine involves concealing the artillery in wooden bunkers covered with earth and vegetation, making them nearly invisible to drone surveillance. This system is specifically designed to counter the threat of detection and attacks by FPV (first-person view) and kamikaze drones. The howitzers remain hidden until firing, at which point hatches open briefly and then quickly close, minimizing the exposure time and reducing the risk of being targeted by drones or counter-battery fire. This innovation significantly enhances the survivability of the artillery in the face of advanced drone threats on the battlefield.

The video release also serves as a propaganda tool, highlighting Russian ingenuity and resourcefulness in the face of modern warfare's challenges. However, the actual effectiveness of these camouflaged bunkers in live combat situations remains to be fully seen, as the Ukrainian military and its allies will undoubtedly seek to counter these new threats with equally innovative measures.

The D-30 can now open fire while remaining camouflaged within the wooden bunker. (Picture source Russian MoD)