Russia Uses Old MT-12 Rapira 100mm Anti-Tank Gun to Target Camouflaged Ukrainian Positions.

The conflict in Ukraine continues to highlight adaptive military strategies by Russian forces. In a video released on August 27, 2024, on the official website of the Russian Ministry of Defense, crews of the MT-12 Rapira anti-tank gun, also known as the 2A29, can be seen operating within the Zapad Group of Forces. This is not the first time such footage has been released; in December 2023, units from the Vostok Group were shown using the MT-12 Rapira in southern Donetsk.
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Originally designed for direct fire against armored vehicles, this 100mm anti-tank gun is also being employed in indirect fire roles, enabling Russian forces to strike enemy positions from a distance without requiring direct line of sight (Picture source: Russian MoD)

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, these strikes were carefully coordinated using reconnaissance drones. These UAVs provided real-time adjustments, enabling artillery teams to correct their fire and ensure maximum accuracy. The involvement of drones played a crucial role in the operation's effectiveness, allowing the Zapad Group forces to hit their targets with precision.

In the context of the conflict, Russia's use of the MT-12 Rapira to target camouflaged positions and personnel of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) demonstrates an adaptive strategy in response to evolving combat conditions. Originally designed for direct fire against armored vehicles, this 100mm anti-tank gun is also being employed in indirect fire roles, enabling Russian forces to strike enemy positions from a distance without requiring direct line of sight. This makes it a valuable tool for support artillery, allowing attacks on strategic points while minimizing the exposure of crews and equipment to enemy fire.

The integration of the MT-12 into Russian front lines addresses a critical need to enhance anti-tank capabilities against Ukrainian armored advances. In March 2023, a full train of these guns was removed from storage and sent to the front, indicating an effort to bolster available artillery. When used in defensive positions, the MT-12s create effective anti-tank zones, aiming to halt or slow down enemy armored vehicle offensives. This situation could also reflect a shortage of modern guided anti-tank missile systems, forcing Russia to rely on more traditional means despite their limitations in modern warfare.

Although originally designed for direct fire, the MT-12 Rapira is equipped with indirect fire sights. However, its range in this role is limited, with a maximum elevation of +20º. When firing at elevations above +15º, a pit must be dug under and behind the breech to prevent it from striking the ground during recoil.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, these strikes were carefully coordinated using reconnaissance drones (Picture source: Russian MoD)

Russian artillery employs this gun in a pragmatic approach, seeking to maximize the use of available resources while adapting to the specific challenges of the Ukrainian conflict. This strategy underscores the importance of balancing traditional combat methods with contemporary tactics and threats.

The MT-12 Rapira is a robust weapon, featuring a 100mm smoothbore barrel that is 6.30 meters long. The front portion of the barrel is reinforced and equipped with a perforated muzzle brake, enhancing its durability and performance. During transport, the barrel is securely fastened to the gun's trails using a lug on the breech ring, ensuring stability during movement.

The MT-12 gun utilizes several types of ammunition, each designed for specific combat scenarios. APFSDS (Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot) rounds have a muzzle velocity of 1,575 meters per second and are effective up to a direct fire range of 3,000 meters. HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank) rounds can reach targets at a distance of 5,955 meters in direct fire, with a consistent armor penetration capability of 350mm. HE (High-Explosive) rounds, designed for indirect fire, can hit targets up to 8,200 meters away.