Eco‑responsible military tech meets nemesis in Ukraine conflict: Mice loom as unexpected foes
In Ukraine, a number of weapon systems provided by European countries have become inoperable. But it's not due to interference by the Russians. Instead, it's mice and other rodents that have developed an appetising fascination with cable insulation made of corn fibre, in place of traditional synthetic materials. This leads to the equipment needing extensive repairs in hot haste since without a functioning electrical installation, it becomes utterly useless.
The rodent infestation has become a formidable foe on the frontlines that both Ukrainians and Russians are battling with. Mice and rats can make a home nearly anywhere, including, surprisingly, the exhaust systems of armoured vehicles.
Modern European equipment in Ukraine — ecology proves challenging during conflict
Advanced mid-range anti-aircraft systems akin to the SAMP/T battery or short-range IRIS-T in SLM and SLS versions have also landed in Ukraine. The former are systems designed to combat high-flying aircraft at distances of about 120 kilometres or ballistic missiles up to about 30 kilometres. Conversely, in the case of the IRIS-T SLM systems, they are geared towards combating aircraft or drones and manoeuvring missiles up to a distance of roughly 40 kilometres (SLM) or about 10 kilometres (SLS).
European countries have delivered several weapons systems. However, the most recent equipment, manufactured in many countries implementing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) rules into the weaponry industry, has raised issues regarding the resilience of electrical insulation.
A recent example is the CAESAR howitzers produced for Denmark, which utilize the eight-wheeled Tatra chassis. The Danes have decided to give Ukraine all 19 of their owned howitzers. These systems feature an armoured cabin and can fire at distances of around 60 kilometres using rocket booster projectiles or 30 kilometres using cost-effective projectiles with a shortened tail. Additionally, the option to use Vulcano GLR projectiles with a range of up to 80 kilometres is available, following the certification of the CAESAR howitzer for their use in 2022.
A CAESAR requires at least three crew members, one of whom solely supplies projectiles from the ammunition depot, which holds 36 pieces, to the semi-automatic loading machine. This allows for a firing speed of up to 6 shots per minute. Like any contemporary artillery system, the CAESAR is capable of firing in MRSI destructive mode and can assume or vacate the firing position in less than a minute.
The German PzH 2000 howitzers, which weigh about 62.8 tonnes, are the other modern artillery system known to have issues. They exhibit similar parameters but can fire at a higher intensity of up to 10 shots per minute.
Advanced mid-range anti-aircraft systems like the SAMP/T battery, or short-range IRIS-T in SLM and SLS configurations have also arrived in Ukraine. These weapons are designed to engage high-flying aircraft at distances of about 120 kilometres or ballistic missiles at about 30 kilometres. On the other hand, IRIS-T systems are designed to fight aircraft, drones, and manoeuvring missiles up to about 40 kilometres (SLM) or roughly 10 kilometres (SLS).
