Ancient tactic reimagined: Ukrainian drones deploy Roman-era 'caltrops' against Russian forces
The war in Ukraine has repeatedly shown that despite the massive development of military technology, the simplest solutions are often the best. This is perfectly illustrated by an invention inspired by ancient Rome, which the Ukrainians have begun using in their fight against the Russian forces. This invention is known as the "caltrop."
More than two years have passed since the escalation of the war in Ukraine on February 24, 2022. During this time, we've had numerous opportunities to see how technologies, far removed from modernity, are being utilized on the battlefield.
One of the standout examples includes the Russians using outdated tanks that date back to the USSR for warfare.
This time, reports have emerged about the Ukrainian military employing weapons that hark back even further in history. These involve the "caltrops," modelled after ancient Rome, which have been deployed from drones for some time now. It's a prime example of merging contemporary technology with battle tactics that have been effective for thousands of years.
The method proven by Romans still effective on the battlefield
Ukrainian drones are scattering the roads with a four-pronged metal weapon designed in such a way that regardless of how they fall, one end is always pointing upwards. The term caltrop comes from the Latin word meaning "heel catcher"... These spiked obstacles date back to at least 313 BC when the army of Alexander the Great used them against the Persian cavalry - remind the journalists of Forbes magazine.
The military has employed a similar approach since the beginning of the war. Initially, the local industry produced sharp anchors, which were significantly larger and required manual placement. Now, it's much simpler and more efficient, as deploying drones for this task allows for dropping more of them and, crucially, more accurately.
The tactic of deploying caltrops from drones will undoubtedly inspire a plethora of new methods. Drones can already deliver mines, ground sensors, and even small robots. The only limit is the creativity of the operators - concluded Forbes.
