a
Ukraine - Russia Invasion conflict
 
 
 
 

Kyiv has confirmed that its MiG-29 "Fulcrum" fighter jets can carry the A2SM "Hammer" bombs supplied by France, marking a significant development in the context of the war in Ukraine. Facing the challenge of operating primarily Soviet-era equipment, in the absence of modern Western fighter bombers such as the F-16, the Ukrainian Air Force has had to adapt its aircraft to be able to carry Western munitions, a technical challenge given the outdated electronic systems of these planes.

In a recent Russian military development showcased through images on social networks, the Russian defense industry has made significant strides in enhancing the capabilities of its T-90M tanks to counter the evolving threats on the Ukrainian battlefield. These photographs reveal the T-90M tanks equipped with a newly developed type of Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA), a clear indication of Russia's intent to upgrade its armored forces. Notably, this advanced ERA is mounted around the turret and on the sides of the tank's hull, providing a robust shield against anti-tank weapons.

In the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian Conflict, where strategy and firepower converge on the modern battlefield, Army Recognition is launching a comprehensive series of in-depth articles that scrutinize the military equipment used by Russian and Ukrainian forces. The inaugural episode focuses on the Russian TOS-1A thermobaric rocket launcher, a weapon that epitomizes the harrowing power and technological sophistication inherent in contemporary warfare.

According to pictures released by the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Ukrainian forces continue to use old Soviet-made Tu-143 Reys unmanned reconnaissance aircraft converted to kamikaze drones to strike targets on Russian territory. Russian forces collected several pieces of Tu-143 UAV debris that fell into the Bryansk region in western European Russia.

As reported by Face of War on March 14, 2024, Russian troops successfully captured for the first time a German-supplied Marder 1A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) used by the Ukrainian army. After capturing the American Bradley M2A2 IFV and the Swedish CV9040, currently in service with the Ukrainian army, a few days ago, Russia now has the opportunity to study European and American infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) technologies with the Marder 1A3. This allows for the development of new anti-tank systems and the improvement of future Russian-made IFVs, such as the Kurganets-25.

In March 2024, a photograph revealed on Ukrainian social media platforms showcasing the wreckage of a Shahed-136 drone indicates that Russia might have modified its drone arsenal. By converting the Iran-designed Shahed-136, recognized in Russia as Geran-2, into sophisticated visual reconnaissance devices, this strategic alteration underscores Russia's technical creativity and flexibility amid a continuing conflict.

In a series of coordinated drone strikes that took place on the nights of March 12 to 13, Ukraine launched significant attacks against key energy infrastructure and military assets inside Russia. According to various sources, these drone assaults targeting Russian refineries have destroyed 12% of the country's refining capacity. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) sources, cited by Ukrainian media outlets Suspilne and RBC-Ukraine, reported that these attacks targeted oil refineries in the Ryazan, Nizhny Novgorod, and Leningrad oblasts, as well as military airfields in Buturlinovka and the city of Voronezh, Voronezh Oblast.

As of March 14, 2024, the situation on the Ukrainian front appears more precarious than it may seem, despite the relatively slow advancements of Russian forces across various sectors. The shortage of ammunition and other war materials, resulting from delays in the provision of US military assistance, could make the current Ukrainian front line more fragile, preventing offensive operations. Ukrainian commanders, to prioritize sectors most threatened by intense Russian offensive operations, might create vulnerabilities that Russian forces could exploit to achieve sudden and surprising advances if Ukrainian supplies continue to decrease.

On March 10, 2024, the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces announced on their Twitter account that one of their snipers successfully downed a Russian ZALA 421-16Ev2 reconnaissance drone, a cutting-edge device equipped for high-precision intelligence gathering.

On March 12, 2024, a HIMARS was targeted by a Russian strike carried out by an Iskander-M OTRK missile, confirming the destruction of what appears to be a multiple rocket launcher at first glance. However, the destruction of the HIMARS does not imply the presence of a large explosion typical of explosive charges set off by a strike. The undisguised and isolated position of the HIMARS is surprising, as the Ukrainians tend, for several weeks, to hide their valuable artillery systems.

As reported by Sternenko on March 13, 2024, Ukrainian operators of FPV drones from the 109th separate brigade have achieved success in locating and targeting several Russian vehicles. Among the targets successfully hit were a BTR-50, an armored personnel carrier dating back to the Stalin era, and a recent Z-STS Akhmat mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was unveiled in 2022.

Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukrainian intelligence, has announced that recent attacks in the Black Sea and Crimea were aimed at preparing for a major operation. Budanov stated, "All of this was aimed at preparing for a major operation in Crimea. A way to verify that our understanding of ways to enter and exit the area is correct."

On March 12, 2024, three Russian paramilitary groups based in Ukraine claimed to have crossed into Russia and are currently engaging Russian government troops in the Belgorod and Kursk regions. The Freedom of Russia Legion (FRL) and the Siberian Battalion (SB) have released videos purportedly showing their fighters in action in these regions. They claim to have launched an incursion with tanks and armored vehicles, potentially marking the largest cross-border attack since the beginning of the invasion.

On March 5, 2024, Patrick Senft posted photos on his Twitter account revealing the use of an OF-45 rocket, presumably launched from an A-22 naval multiple rocket launcher system (MBRLS) mounted on an MT-LB armored vehicle. This use had already been reported in September 2023 by various media outlets. However, the images shared by Senft indicate that the rocket launch was defective, highlighting potential issues in adapting these naval systems for terrestrial use.

The Russian Ministry of Defense recently highlighted, in an official statement, a successful operation conducted by Su-34 aircraft in the Avdeevka sector in Ukraine, employing FAB-500 bombs enhanced with a universal planning and correction module for precise targeting. This operation emphasizes the crucial role of the Su-34 in Russia's military strategy, capable of conducting strikes from safe distances, beyond Ukrainian air defenses.

On March 11, 2024, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces conducted an operation resulting in the destruction of a Russian Palantin electronic warfare system in the Zaporizhzhia region. The Palantin system, introduced into the Russian military in April 2019, represents the latest advancement in Russia's operational-tactical level electronic warfare capabilities.

Facing the advance of Russian troops, which has been faster and more significant for several weeks, the Ukrainians have undertaken to strengthen their defense system to halt or at least slow the Russian advance at any cost. This dynamic of reinforcing fortification systems was announced in a statement ( on X- ex Twitter) by British Defence Intelligence, released on March 10, 2024. British Defence Intelligence reports indicate this construction includes a comprehensive array of defenses such as anti-tank obstacles known as dragon's teeth, extensive ditch networks, infantry trenches, minefields, and robust fortified positions

Dmytro Lykhoviy, head of the public relations department of the Tavria military unit, revealed disturbing details, stating that Russian forces have increasingly employed grenades equipped with suffocating and tear gas, delivered via drones. Lykhoviy's disclosure of approximately 50 such drops within a week, with 15 recorded in just the past day, raises grave concerns about the potential humanitarian and security implications of Russia's actions. The development underscores heightened fears surrounding the use of chemical weapons in conflict zones and prompts urgent calls for international scrutiny and response.

In a significant revelation, researchers using satellite imagery have analyzed Russia's withdrawal of 25 to 40% of its strategic tank reserves, depending on the model, from outdoor storage facilities. They estimate that the most effective equipment has likely been removed, leaving less efficient or irreparable materials behind.

The Ukrainian military has managed to integrate the donation of M-55S tanks from Slovenia into its operational forces. This contribution, made in April 2022, just two months after Russia expanded its offensive against Ukraine, included 28 M-55S tanks. This donation also brought a host of challenges that the Ukrainians had to overcome to best operate the Slovenian tanks.

Ukrainian soldiers have been reported to make crucial upgrades to the German-made Leopard 2 Main Battle Tanks, a contribution from Germany, Poland, Spain, Canada, and some other European countries aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities following the invasion of the country by Russian troops. Recent pictures of the warfront show these armor improvements designed to increase the protection of the tanks against the evolving threats in the Ukrainian conflict zone and new Russian threats.

Page 2 of 33