Russia Plans to Deploy Latest Generation 2S38 Air Defense Vehicles in Ukraine To Counter Drones.

Russia has announced plans to deploy the advanced 2S38 air defense vehicle in Ukraine, a significant move that could shift the dynamics of the ongoing conflict. The 2S38 Derivatsiya-PVO is a tracked anti-aircraft vehicle designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), high-precision weapons, and lightly armored targets. This deployment is expected to bolster Russia's military capabilities in a region where such threats have become increasingly common.
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The 2S38 was displayed at Army-2024, an international defense exhibition that was held in Kubinka, near Moscow, Russia. (Picture source: International Defense Industry Magazine)

The 2S38 is a versatile and sophisticated self-propelled anti-aircraft system. It is built on a modified BMP-3 IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) tracked chassis, which enhances its mobility across various terrains. The vehicle's primary weapon is one 57mm automatic cannon, supported by an advanced fire control system that includes a target tracking radar, electro-optical sensors, and a ballistic computer. These systems enable the 2S38 to engage targets with high accuracy and at considerable ranges, making it a formidable presence on the battlefield.

One of the 2S38's most notable features is its effectiveness against UAVs. Drones have become a key component of modern warfare, particularly in the conflict zones of Ukraine, where both sides have relied heavily on these systems for reconnaissance and targeted strikes. The 2S38's 57mm cannon can fire at a high rate, and its sophisticated targeting systems allow it to track and destroy drones at various altitudes, including low-flying ones that are often challenging to intercept with conventional anti-aircraft systems.

In addition to its anti-UAV capabilities, the 2S38 is equipped to intercept and destroy high-precision weapons, such as cruise missiles. This capability is particularly relevant in Ukraine, where precision-guided munitions have been extensively used. By neutralizing these threats, the 2S38 provides Russian forces with a significant tactical advantage, potentially altering the balance of power in contested areas.

The 2S38 is also effective against lightly armored targets, such as armored personnel carriers (APCs) and other support vehicles commonly used by Ukrainian forces. This versatility makes the 2S38 a multi-role asset on the battlefield, capable of engaging both aerial and ground threats with equal efficiency.

The decision to deploy the 2S38 in Ukraine is seen as part of Russia's broader strategy to enhance its anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities in the region. The introduction of this advanced system is likely to strengthen Russia's defensive and offensive operations against Ukrainian forces, particularly in areas where UAVs and precision-guided weapons have been heavily utilized.

Military analysts suggest that the Russian 2S38 could pose a significant challenge to Ukrainian forces, especially those relying on drone reconnaissance and precision strikes. The system's ability to engage multiple types of targets with high accuracy.

The impact of this deployment, however, will depend on various factors, including the scale of the deployment, the specific regions where the 2S38 is deployed, and the countermeasures that Ukrainian forces may employ. The introduction of the 2S38 could lead to a new phase in the conflict, characterized by intensified efforts to gain air superiority and protect ground assets.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve, the introduction of advanced systems like the 2S38 underscores the ongoing arms race and the importance of technological superiority in modern warfare. The coming weeks and months will likely reveal more about the 2S38's role in the conflict and its impact on the broader geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.